SOLIHULL parish

No matter how much we love someone, within all of us there is a self-centredness that causes us to say and do things which hurt others, often those we love most. In the rashness of youth, the heat of anger, or as a result of blind panic or fear, we may have said or done something which we live to regret, the guilt of which we carry around for years. The tragedy of so many people is that their lives are marked by fear, loneliness, isolation and division. At times we can become so turned in on ourselves that:

we are not at peace with Godwe are not at peace with each otherwe are not at peace with ourselves.

Time and again the bible tells us, and Jesus shows us, that God really loves us. Even when we turn away from him and think, say or do things which make us deeply ashamed, God still loves us and longs to give us the healing and peace which only he can give. This gift is offered to us in the Sacrament of Reconciliation or Confession.

A number of questions may come to mind as you read this:

"I didn't think that the Church of England did this sort of thing."

At a priest's ordination the bishop's declaration sets out the main duties of a priest which includes this sentence: 'Formed by the word, they are to call hearers to repentance and to declare in Christ's name the absolution and forgiveness of their sins.'

Moreover, there is a rite in our prayer book called 'The Reconciliation of a Penitent' ;this is a God-given means of forgiving someone who is really sorry.

Can I not tell God in my own way, in private?

Of course you can, but the authority to forgive sins has been given to the Church. Naming our selfish sinfulness in the presence of a priest means that we show true contrition, don't try to make excuses or hide from reality. Remember that the priest too is a sinner, will never be shocked by what is said, and will never disclose anything which is confessed, even after the death of someone: a priest may never raise it with the penitent again unless the penitent so wishes.

If you wish to discuss this further in strictest confidence, contact the parish secretary and ask to speak with a priest. If a priest is not readily available, leave your name and telephone number and contact will be made.

ST ALPHEGE

Sundays

8.00am Holy Eucharist (said)

9.15am Parish Eucharist & Sunday Club (2nd Sunday : All-age Eucharist)

Plus on 4th Sunday 'easy' in OBH rejoining Parish Eucharist at communion

11.00am Sung Eucharist

(traditional language)

6.30pm (except 4th Sunday)

Choral Evensong

6.30pm (4th Sunday)

Congregational Evensong

Plus at 6.00pm (1st Sunday)

‘the space’ – informal parish worship

(in the Oliver Bird Hall)

Weekday Eucharists

Monday 9.30am

Tuesday 9.30am

Wednesday 10.15am

Thursday 10.30am

  1st in month - Healing

  3rd in month - Mothers' Union

  Corporate Eucharist

Saturday 9.30am

Daily Morning Prayer

Mon-Sat 9.00am

(Wednesday 8.30am in term time)

ST HELEN

Sundays

8.00am Eucharist (Book of Common Prayer)

10.00am Parish Eucharist and Sunday Club 3rd Sunday : All-age worship (non-eucharistic)

6.30pm Evening Worship in Chapel

6.30pm (2nd Sunday) Wholeness and Healing service in Chapel.

Weekday Eucharist

Friday 10.00am

ST MICHAEL

Sundays

10.30am Holy Eucharist and Sunday Club (Sharmans Cross School)

10.30am (2nd Sunday) All-age worship (Sharmans Cross School).

4.30pm (2nd Sunday) Holy Communion (St Michael's Chapel).

Weekday Eucharist

Wednesday 10.00am at Oak Cottage