Saint Mary of the Assumption
Rev. Fr. Craig R. Eilerman
Dear parishioners,
One of the more difficult aspects of the current health crisis is the prohibition of celebrating the Sacraments publicly, especially Mass with the reception of Holy Communion and the Sacrament of Penance. Without a doubt the Bishops of Ohio made the right decision to close the churches, lives are being saved because of their leadership. That’s why it’s a true gift that we have the technology to live-stream the Mass daily from St. Mary of the Assumption Church. Along with live-streaming the daily Mass, starting on March 29 at 10:00 AM Sunday Mass will be carried on Spectrum Cable channel CLN 1021. This will be a real blessing for those in the parish that do not have internet access. I want to thank Bob Competti of Innerphase Video Productions for all his efforts enabling us to make the Mass available during this challenging time.
Even with the ability to view the Mass via internet and cable television, I know there is still a hunger to receive the Sacraments and rightfully so, as they are a sure means of receiving grace. Whenever we celebrate a Sacrament worthily, we have an encounter with Christ Jesus; He comes flooding our being with his love. With that being said, it’s also important to remember that God’s grace is not limited to the Sacraments, for God’s grace abounds! When viewing the Mass, I highly encourage you to make an Act of Spiritual Communion, uniting yourself with the Sacrifice of Christ and with your brothers and sisters who also are unable to be present at the celebration of the Mass. In making a Spiritual Communion you are inviting the grace of Christ into your heart, Jesus will hear and come to you.
Not being able to avail oneself of the Sacrament of Penance/Reconciliation is a hardship at this time, but the Church has always taught that forgiveness of one’s sins, even mortal sin is possible outside the Sacrament of Penance/Reconciliation. I quote from the Catechism of the Catholic Church:
“Where the individual faithful find themselves in the painful impossibility of receiving sacramental absolution, it should be remembered that perfect contrition, coming from the love of God, beloved above all things, expressed by a sincere request for forgiveness (that which the penitent is at present able to express) and accompanied by votum confessionis, that is, by the firm resolution to have recourse, as soon as possible, to sacramental confession, obtains forgiveness of sins, even mortal ones (cf. CCC, no. 1452).”
Perfect contrition requires
- The love of God
- The sincere desire for forgiveness
- The ardent commitment to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation when available
During this time that social distancing makes receiving absolution from a priest impossible, I encourage us all to continue to examine our conscience daily, pray an Act of Contrition and seek the forgiveness of our God and one another. God desires to forgive us and his grace will come to us. I want to assure you that I will come to Anoint the seriously ill or to celebrate the Last Rites for those who are actively dying.
I pray that this information brings you peace, for it is God Himself that is leading us during this difficult time, for what He desires most is that we know His love and grace.
In Christ,
Fr. Craig Eilerman
Pastor