Brothers and sisters in Christ,
In some Catholic dioceses in California, churches are being closed and confessions only being allowed by appointment in order to reduce the spread of the Corona, or Wuhan, virus pandemic. Bishop McElroy has delegated pastors in the Diocese of San Diego, for the time being, the discretion to close the church under the pastor’s care and to determine safe procedures for confession. At this time, Saint Stephen catholic Church will remain open with disinfecting of the church occurring daily and confessions being offered, weather permitting, in the Guadalupe Garden during Adoration on Monday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Confessions can also be done by appointment. When in the church, always maintain six feet distance from all other people whether waiting or confession or in prayer. However, some parishioners may be quarantine, self-quarantine, or may consider confession a risk too high; resulting in their inability to participate and receive the sacrament of confession. As explained by Pope Francis:
If you can’t go to confession, take your sorrow directly to God, Pope says
Pope Francis says: “People who cannot get to confession because of the coronavirus lockdown or another serious reason can go to God directly, be specific about their sins, request pardon and experience God’s loving forgiveness,”
“This is the right time, the opportune moment. An act of contrition done well, and our souls will become white like the snow.”
The Pope says: “Do what the Catechism (of the Catholic Church) says. It is very clear: If you cannot find a priest to confess to, speak directly with God, your father, and tell him the truth. Say, ‘Lord, I did this, this, this. Forgive me,’ and ask for pardon with all your heart. “
Make an act of contrition and promise God, “‘I will go to confession afterward, but forgive me now.’ And immediately you will return to a state of grace with God.”
“As the catechism teaches, you can draw near to God’s forgiveness without having a priest at hand. Think about it. This is the moment. ”
In short, do an act of contrition, be sorry for your sins, and plan to go to the sacrament of the reconciliation as soon as safely possible and the mercy of God will be poured out upon you.
Blessings,
Fr Luke Jauregui