How long since your last reconciliation?

I guess this post is going to be a bit of a confession.  I realized this weekend, while involved with the diaconate retreat I've already posted about, that I had not been to the Sacrament of Reconciliation in quite some time.  As an ordained minister, I know the value of frequent confession.  As an ordained minister, I preach about reconciliation often.  And as an ordained minister, sometimes I get caught up in the busy-ness of ministry and before you know it your asking yourself how long since your last confession.

We made reconciliation available on the retreat this past weekend and I observed that nearly every retreatant took advantage of the opportunity.  For this I'm very happy!  When I noticed an opportunity to go to confession I immediately took advantage of that opportunity.

I can share this with you; what a glorious decision and yes, I was uniquely aware that it had been too long.  As a rule of thumb, freequent reconciliation could look like once every month or every six weeks or so.  Of course we as Catholics must know that aware of mortal sin, we must receive sacramental absolution before we return to the Eucharistic banquet.  In other words; mortal sin and you know it, get thee to confession.  As a Catholic we should also know that no matter what, we are expected to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation at least once a year. 

For the church or each parish we must do a better job of teaching about this sacrament and then making the sacrament more available.  Some parishes I know of only offer reconciliation for about 45 minutes a week just before the vigil Mass.  We should always be more flexible in setting times for this important sacrament.

So I ask again; how long my friend?  That may be too long!  Plan on going this weekend or at the latest, this month.