I injured my right calf muscles about three weeks ago.  I can run.  I even ran 18 miles with the injury.  However, I've switched to rehabbing my right calf.  I hope to have my legs ready for running a marathon on October 27th.  If I was more serious about running, I would have a coach, work with a trainer, and check more often with doctors.  Instead, I'm remembering what I've learned from my podiatrist, other runners, and my own research.  I've decreased my marathon goal from breaking four hours to breaking five hours.  I will try to run fast on 10/27, but I'll train better for my second marathon as early as a beautiful day in January or February.

     More serious than physical injuries are spiritual injuries.  The most consequential spiritual injuries are the self inflicted ones:  sins.  Sometimes we try to overcome sin on our own.  We might make some progress and then fall into even worse sins later.  We do better when we get help from other people in our lives and from the saints.  These earthly and heavenly friends do well when they help us cooperate more with Jesus Christ.  He is the one who can forgive us of our sins and rehab our souls with His mercy.

     The ordinary way that Jesus set-up for us to experience the forgiveness of sins is in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  Before confession, we ask the Holy Spirit to help us examine our conscience.  In prayer, we express sorrow for our sins.  When we get into the confessional, we let the priest know how long it's been since our last confession and any other pertinent circumstances.  Then we confess our sins.  The priest may offer some counsel.  He gives us a penance.  We say an Act of Contrition.  Then the priest prays the words of absolution.  At that moment, Jesus forgives our sins through the ministry of the priest.  After confession, it's a good practice to do our penance right away in the church.

     Because we now have ventilation in the old store, we can finally use it as our new confessional room.  See the picture above.  It's located near the main entrance of the church, opposite the candle room.  The priest entrance is in the church.  Penitents should use the door in the foyer.  Enter when the door is open.  Close the door behind you.  Leave the door open when you exit.  You can sit or kneel.  If you would like face-to-face, just ask.  The priest will either move to the side or pull the curtain back.

     Let's be spiritual friends to others and pray for healing of physical and spiritual injuries.

1)  For everyone caught in the lies about abortion, may they be healed of their blindness and any ill effects of any abortions.

2)  For healing and strengthening of marriages.

3)  For a full recovery for those who have recently had surgeries or other medical procedures.

4)  For the strength to forgive those who have angered us.

5)  For those falling to the vice of pride, may they be given the grace to practice the virtue of humility.

God love you,

Fr. Jim