Philippians 2:12

"... Work out your salvation with fear and trembling." To me, confession is a perfect example of this verse. As I sat trembling in the pew, awaiting my turn for inside the booth, I was nervous, embarassed, but most of all hopeful for the reconcilliation and the knowledge that all was "right" between God and I again.

Now, I am not saying God requires a trip to the confession booth for forgiveness from sin. I do not claim to understand the mercy of God. But, like all other sacraments, confession is truly a gift from God to us.

There is something humbling about taking the time out of your day, standing in a line, going in a booth and kneeling, and having to say out loud what you would really rather forget that really humbles you before God. It's a much different experience than saying a quick "Jesus forgive me of my sins" after you lie down in bed, directly before you enter dreamland.

But with that difficulty comes a tremendous blessing. Hearing the Father say "For these and all other sins, you are forgiven." How powerful. Just to hear from some other person, God truly hears your remorse and forgives you.

God bless you, however you decide to come back to him.

-Mallory

Introduction

In celebration of this Palm Sunday, I decided to blog a bit about my experience as a catholic candidate. A candidate is a person wishing to join the catholic church already baptized in another denomination. The process to join the Catholic church for adults is through RCIA classes, which are usually held for a couple hours once a week. Our class started in September and concludes in Easter Vigil, when we are welcomed in full communion with the Catholic church.

Through this blog I hope to provide information on what led me to join the church with no provoking or suggestion from anyone, except my own searching and prayer. Many of you have asked me what made me decide to join the church, and its a question that simply can't be answered in one conversation. I hope this blog can provide some answers.