One of the themes of Advent is “prepare the way of the Lord.” In John the Baptist’s time, he called for a baptism in which people acknowledged their sins. We have something better than John’s baptism in the Sacrament of Reconciliation – confession. In this sacrament we know for sure that our sins are forgiven. That’s why it’s so appropriate to go to confession during Advent. What better way is there to prepare for Christmas! Some people always say that they don’t need to go to confession – “my sins aren’t that bad.” But that’s not the point. We need confession just like a businessman needs to do an inventory. If we never really examine our consciences, we probably aren’t advancing much in the spiritual life . . . and stagnation is death to the spiritual life! The West Bank Deanery offers communal Reconciliation Services at two West Bank parishes during Advent. We do this so that there can be a lot of priests there to hear the confessions. You are invited to go to any one of these services. Visitation hosts it on the 13th, Christ the king has it the 19th – all beginning at 7:00 p.m. Take your pick, but be sure to make it to confession before Christmas. God bless!