I haven't been to church or receive Eucharist in years. I was wondering if I'd have to go to confession first before I'm eligible for Anointing of the Sick. I'm afraid of going to confession. I've looked everywhere online for information regarding this sacrament and depression and it's not talked about a lot so thank you for bringing light on to this.
Kevin, I contacted a friend of mine who is also a priest to present this question to him, because I wanted to be sure to answer correctly. He advised that you call a parish to make an appointment with a priest to talk about returning to the sacraments. He said, "A fruitful reception of Anointing should be preceded by reconciliation, since both are sacraments of healing."
I do understand your hesitation to go to Confession, but please don't let that stop you from receiving the graces God so desires to pour into your soul. It's worth it. I left the Church for nine long, dark years. During that time I not only failed to attend church or Eucharist, but I got involved in many New Age practices. Very bad stuff. I also sinned in other ways, so by the time I returned to the Church, I really dreaded going to Reconciliation. I had so much to confess, and these were mortal sins, not just minor ones. I was afraid of being judged, reprimanded, traumatized even. However, I desired Eucharist and healing so much--and needed complete reconciliation with God's mercy, love, and graces--that I just grit my teeth, tried to calm my racing heartbeat, and went.
And I'm so glad I did! I wasn't at all judged. The priest wasn't even shocked at my complete wayward behavior--even the worst of it. I left that confessional a new person. Renewed. Filled with God's peace and love. On the definite path to healing. God is good!
I know Reconciliation is a scary thought. I totally understand. But it's also a necessary step, and once yo've taken it, God will pour His mercy and healing love into your soul. The Sacrament of Reconciliation can open amazing doors and bring you greater peace in preparation for even more healing in the Anointing of the Sick. Please know that I'm praying for you, Kevin!
Hi Jenny, thank you so much for taking the time to write such a wonderful message! Especially contacting your friend just to have an appropriate answer to my question. It means a lot.
Your story is very relatable to me in so many ways and I appreciate you sharing, it's the encouragement I needed, that I'm not alone. I'll make the time to call a parish some time this week. It's going to be a long, but hopefully healing, ride.
Very freeing message!
I haven't been to church or receive Eucharist in years. I was wondering if I'd have to go to confession first before I'm eligible for Anointing of the Sick. I'm afraid of going to confession. I've looked everywhere online for information regarding this sacrament and depression and it's not talked about a lot so thank you for bringing light on to this.
Kevin, I contacted a friend of mine who is also a priest to present this question to him, because I wanted to be sure to answer correctly. He advised that you call a parish to make an appointment with a priest to talk about returning to the sacraments. He said, "A fruitful reception of Anointing should be preceded by reconciliation, since both are sacraments of healing."
I do understand your hesitation to go to Confession, but please don't let that stop you from receiving the graces God so desires to pour into your soul. It's worth it. I left the Church for nine long, dark years. During that time I not only failed to attend church or Eucharist, but I got involved in many New Age practices. Very bad stuff. I also sinned in other ways, so by the time I returned to the Church, I really dreaded going to Reconciliation. I had so much to confess, and these were mortal sins, not just minor ones. I was afraid of being judged, reprimanded, traumatized even. However, I desired Eucharist and healing so much--and needed complete reconciliation with God's mercy, love, and graces--that I just grit my teeth, tried to calm my racing heartbeat, and went.
And I'm so glad I did! I wasn't at all judged. The priest wasn't even shocked at my complete wayward behavior--even the worst of it. I left that confessional a new person. Renewed. Filled with God's peace and love. On the definite path to healing. God is good!
I know Reconciliation is a scary thought. I totally understand. But it's also a necessary step, and once yo've taken it, God will pour His mercy and healing love into your soul. The Sacrament of Reconciliation can open amazing doors and bring you greater peace in preparation for even more healing in the Anointing of the Sick. Please know that I'm praying for you, Kevin!
Hi Jenny, thank you so much for taking the time to write such a wonderful message! Especially contacting your friend just to have an appropriate answer to my question. It means a lot.
Your story is very relatable to me in so many ways and I appreciate you sharing, it's the encouragement I needed, that I'm not alone. I'll make the time to call a parish some time this week. It's going to be a long, but hopefully healing, ride.
It's really cool to know that reconciliation is a sacrament of healing!