Our Mission is to know, love and serve God by living the Eucharist. Promulgated on Pentecost Sunday, 2013

420 Irving Street | Alexandria, MN 56308 | (320) 763-5781The Church ofSt. Mary

Happy Easter Season to you!Do you have a favorite hymn or song at church? Or do you have one that you can’t stand? I plead guilty to both, yet often when I am asked just why I have specific feelings about a piece of music, I can’t exactly explain it. Some songs prove to be more “enduring” over time than others. That is to say that some pieces just wear out after a while and others remain engaging over the long haul. There is a real skill involved in selecting church music for congregational singing. We are blest here at St. Mary’s with Laurie Youngers’ decades of expertise in that regard. She also has advisors who will let her know what they think of various selections. One of the reasons that our parish—I think—is an exceptionally good

singing community is that great care is taken to fit the right pieces of music with the right liturgical event. Another reason is the expert ability of our keyboardists to accompany skillfully. They don’t just play, they accompany and are able to intuit a sense of the song that is conveyed through how they play. I remember once hearing an adage that “many church musicians are merely musicians who happen accidentally to be working for the church.” I agree with that to some degree... and I have worked alongside some of those people over the years. But it is not enough to be excellent at playing your instrument(s). If you can’t also accompany in a way that encourages a community to join in song, then you don’t belong in the business of church music. I add my enormous gratitude for the skill, talent, and generosity of the many parishioners who volunteer to support us in music ministries, whether vocal or instrumental. We are unusually blessed that way.

But do I have personal likes and dislikes…of course. Many years ago, at another place, I remember singing a hymn during Mass that I really liked. One of the lay leaders of the parish felt differently about it and later angrily requested that the music director never play that song in church again. It was a selfish demand, and I noticed that in fact that song was rarely scheduled after that. Like every other aspect of gathering together for worship we sing as one community, one religious family. And that means that, like in any family, decisions get made for the benefit of the whole, and not at the whim of one member’s tastes and preferences, even those of the leader.

Any communal gathering involves sacrifice as well as pleasure; the sacrifice is my willingness to not always get my personal priorities satisfied. There are at least a couple of songs that we do in church together that I really and actually HATE, but I sing them whole-heartedly anyway because they help us as a whole to pray well in a given moment. On the other hand, there are some other songs that we don’t sing but I wish we would. But…it is not about me. Liturgical leadership is never about making anybody in the community conform to what I personally prefer. It is about us praying together. If someday you get tired of me being here at St. Mary’s, Laurie Youngers has the code to the nuclear arsenal of my hated songs…and she will know how to get rid of me by playing them all at one Mass! Thanks for your participation in the Mass!

Thank you for the support of our local food shelf in our food collection drives. There are many who use the foodshelf. I wish we could see a systemic change to alleviate the reasons WHY people use it…but until that time, we must feed the hungry. By the way, we had 350 blue “Let’s Bag Hunger” bags for our food drive. At our last count, we have 87 left. If you have some sitting in your car or at home, please fill them up and bring them in so that we can use them again. Today we have exposition of the Blessed Sacrament from after the 10 AM Mass until the singing of the Divine Mercy Chaplet at 3 PM. It is a wonderful time to pray for healing. The Divine Mercy Hour is a beautiful prayer. All are welcome. This Wednesday we have our 4th “Inspired to Be” gathering, featuring Sister Jean Wingenter, speaking on practical ways that we can be peace-makers. A reminder that on Tuesday, April 17 at 6:30 Deacon Charles Bobertz Ph.D. will address: “Jesus in the Gospels: Why the Search for the Historical Jesus Makes No Sense for Catholics (and Other Christians.)” Sign up at the hospitality desk or on line at www.csbsju.edu/sot/theology-day or call 320-363-3560. Fr. Steve

Fr. Steve Binsfeld

EUCHARIST:SAT 5:00 PMSUN 8:00 AM & 10:00 AMTUE 5:00 PMWED 8:30 AMTHU 7:00 AMFRI 8:30 AM

RECONCILIATION:SAT 4:00 PM or by appointment

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: Saturday at 4 PM in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel (room behind presider’s chair; also has a separate entry)BAPTISM:All parents must take the Baptism Preparation Course. Call the Parish Office to sign up. Check our website for dates.PREPARATION FOR MARRIAGE: Members of the parish (or children of members) must arrange for marriage at least 6 months in advance. Contact the Parish Office for more info.ANNOINTING OF THE SICK: is held the 1st Sunday of the month, immediately following the 8AM Mass. Those who wish to be annointed are asked to come to the front of the church.

NEW MEMBERS: To register, stop by our Hospitality Desk located in the Commons Area of the church or visit our website to complete the registration online.

READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 8TH

Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday: Friday: Saturday Sunday:

WEEKLY MASS SCHEDULEDaily Mass Server (Tue., Wed., Thu. - Tom Kretschmer)Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday:

Friday:Saturday: Sunday:

APRIL

20182ND SUNDAY OF EASTER

8

Is 7:10-14;8:10; Heb 10:4-10 Acts 4:32-37; Jn 3:7b-15 Acts 5:17-26; Jn 3:16-21Acts 5:27-33; Jn 3:31-36Acts 5:34-42; Jn 21:1-14Acts 6:1-7; Jn 6:16-21 Acts 3:13-15,17-19; 1 Jn 2:1-5a; Lk 24:35-48

No Daily Mass5:00 PM +Paul Steffen8:30 AM +Steven Ignowski 7:00 AM +Jack Juettner 1:30 PM Bethany +Ryan Beers 8:30 AM +Irene Bundy5:00 PM +Steve Fults8:00 AM For the Parish 10:00 AM +Maureen Bruzik

www.stmaryalexandria.orgstmary@stmaryalexandria.org

ADULT BIBLE STUDY: Tuesday evenings in the Great Hall immediately following the 5 PM mass. Call Mike at 759‐1911 for more info.

MEN’S BIBLE STUDY: Thursday mornings in the Commons Area of the church at 6 AM. Call Mike at 759‐1911 for more info.

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY: God’s love and mercy are immense! There is still time to join and be transformed as we study Father Gaitley’s “Divine Mercy In The Second Greatest Story Ever Told” beginning this weekend. This is a 10-part DVD-based study offered at two different times: Saturday morning from 8-10 AM in the Boy Scout Building and Sunday evenings from 6:30 - 8:30 PM in St. Mary’s School. You may alternate between sessions. Understand and be prepared for Divine Mercy Sunday on April 8th and enjoy building faith-centered friendships. No previous study experience necessary! There is no homework with this study! To enroll and for more information contact: Lori 320-808-1145 or Tammy 320-808-6404. Email: biblestudywomen@gmail.com

ST. MARY’S PRAYER LINK: If you have a prayer request, please send to Wosepkak@aol.com or phone Kelly Wosepka at 320‐815‐4655. You may also call Julie Desautels at 846‐1842. All prayer requests will be kept confidential.

PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES in the Blessed Sacrament ChapelRosary: Sundays (before Mass) 7:35 AM & 9:35 AM

HOLY SPIRIT PRAYER GROUP: Thursdays 5:30‐6:00 PM (rosary in Commons Area) 6‐7 PM prayer time in the Chapel. Contact Jim Joerger at 834‐ 2945.

DIVINE MERCY HOUR: Mondays from 3‐4 PM. Contact Barb Nei at 846‐ 0022.

SANCTITY OF LIFE PRAYER GROUP: Meets the 1st Wednesday of every month at 7 PM. Contact Louise Revering at 762‐8632.EUCHARISTIC ADORATION - SHARING ONE HOUR WITH THE LORD.Adoration is one way you can make prayer and spending time with the Lord a greater priority in your life. Please consider being a regular adorer for our Chapel. For more information - contact Sue McCulloch at 320-491-7006 (call or text); tscamcculloch@charter.net. THE MINISTRY OF SPIRITUAL DIRECTION is offered by Craig Hamilton, an experienced, certified spiritual director and parishioner. Call 612-237-3463 or craighamilton@careofsouls.org for more information.

We wish to offer our sympathy and a promise of our prayers to: Family and friends of

Ilene Woida and Clarence Rust

DAILY MASS SERVERS: We will be working on the schedule for May – July. If you have any dates you are not available, please call the Parish Office at 320-763-5781 or email stmary@stmaryalexandria.org by April 13th.

If you or someone you know in our parish community is sick or ill or has a family member who could use our prayers, please call our Parish Nurse, Kathy Fischer, at 762‐2320. Please remember the following people in your prayers: Ruth Partington, Ron Hoffman, Chris Ficenec, Ken Judson, Jim Rutten, Scott Addy, Pat Pahl, Ione Grubb, Glorene Iverson, Pat Pihaly, Dice Ganje, Carol Peterson, Pat Eich, Lorine Vipond, Yvonne Lorsung, Betty Schlosser, Lyle Keller, Joyce Tomasulo, Melissa Guggisberg, Perry Brown, Patrick Stroh, Chuck Miller, Dan Woods, Rock Anderson, Virgene Grubb, and Carla Wheeler

SATURDAY 5 PM MASS GREETERS: Team 2 - Alice Larson, Jane Johnson, Katie & Daniel Trombley USHERS: Team 2 - Henry Wessel, David Sternquist, Thomas Lynch, Loren Larson,Mark Johnson, Steven Takle, Roy Nodsle, Harvey ChermakEXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS: Team 2 LECTOR 1: Char HansonLECTOR 2: Kimberly RoseSERVERS: Joaquim Ramos, Tony Olson

APRIL 14TH & 15TH

SUNDAY 8 AM MASS GREETERS: Team 6-A - C.J. Juenger-Daas, Patrice Kiefer, Phyllis Kern, Rosemary Flick, Sharon Fyle, Rose Ann MaloneyUSHERS: Team 6 - Thomas Haase, Donald Thoennes, Michael Savageau, Ritchie Spindler, Kevin Becker, Arnold Ebert, David CloseEXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS: Team 6LECTOR 1: Payton OlsonLECTOR 2: Jennifer FlodingSERVERS: Lauren Savageau, Alisah Floding

SUNDAY 10 AM MASSGREETERS: Team 10-A - Bettie Reis, Marylou Maack, Tom & Jennifer KleckerUSHERS: Team 10 - Richard Woelfel, Josh Brummond, Douglas Houska, Glen Klimek, Clarence Wolf, Austin Klimek, Frank KlimekEXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS: Team 10LECTOR 1: Erin PetermeierLECTOR 2: Robert RoeringSERVERS: Kaitlyn Andres, Brendan Eckstein

DRIVERS– APRIL 15TH

BETHEL MANOR – Pete Olmscheid WINDMILL PONDS – Randy MeyerARABELLA MANOR – Michael BaudrauGRAND ARBOR – John Hovel & Ron Boyden

HOSPITAL/NURSING HOME– APRIL 15TH

HOSPITAL – Betty EbsenKNUTE NELSON/NELSON GABLES – John & Bonnie LeeschBETHANY – Jim & Judy Korkowski

ADULT FAITH FORMATION

PRAYER CORNER

LITURGICAL MINISTERS

Thank you to Mary Larson, Mary Strasser and Team 7 for serving the luncheon for the funeral of Ilene Woida.

ABOUT LIFE

JUSTICE PEACE AND THE INTEGRITY OF CREATION (JPIC): We will be giving out 25 Red Maple Trees after each Mass on April 28th & April 29th. The trees will go to the first ones agreeing to plant and care for them as they grow. Last year Ron and Ginny Hoffman planted one of the trees! The United Nations, The Climate Change Organization, Lions International, and other organizations support the planting of trees to help the earth (and all of us) breathe!

SANCTITY OF LIFE MOMENT: “I will be grateful for this day.” (1 Cor. 15:20-22)Visit St. Mary’s Sanctity of Life online at http://sanctityoflife.org/ for information or resources.Meets the 2nd Monday of each month from 7:00‐8:30 p.m. in the prayer room in St. Mary’s School. Please join us! Contact Bruce Becker for more info: 320‐759‐2003 or bbecker100@gmail.com.

THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BINGO Sunday, April 8 at 7:00 PM & Wednesday, April 11 at 2:00 PM at the KC Hall on 6th Ave & Nokomis. Team 16 Dave Essler, Brad Klinkner, Stuart Schmidt, Jim Kokett and Clay Amundson will be in charge.

MISSION QUILTING: Rescheduled to April 9th We welcome anyone to attend our mission quilting at 12:30 PM, April 9 in the Great Hall. If anyone would like to sew pillowcases for the Caring and Sharing Room from sheets, please call Joyce B. at 320-763-7615.

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY is Sunday, April 8. • Adoration from 11 AM in the Church

• Sing the chaplet at 3 PM

IT IS A GRAVE MATTER Any monument, marker, footstone or other adornment of the grave must have prior approval of the Cemetery Sexton before placement. This is done to ensure that the aesthetics of the cemetery are not compromised by placement of outlandish design that most would not want next to their loved one’s resting place. The beauty of Arlington and Fort Snelling cemeteries is in the uniformity. We are not going that far but we are going to try to keep things reasonable.

- CEMETERY CLEAN UP SAVE THE DATE -May 17 1:00 PM, More info to come!

THE TASTE OF DOUGLAS COUNTY April 19, 2018 5:00 till 7:00 PM at Holiday Inn, Alexandria, MN.Tickets $25 in advance, or $30 at the door. Tickets can be purchased by calling 320-460-7911 or at Elden’s Fresh Foods, Bremer Bank Downtown,Trumm Drug

Downtown, or at www.douglascountycarcare.org

OPEN HOUSE IN HONOR OF

SISTER PATRICE AND

SISTER SHARONSUNDAY, APRIL 29th

2:00 to 4:30 PM St. Mary’s School Gym

Special Presentation at 3:00 PM

Come and wish them well as they prepare to move to Little Falls to retire.

In lieu of gift, donations accepted for Sisters’ Retirement Fund of Little Falls

OUR PICTURE DIRECTORY WON’T BE COMPLETE WITHOUT YOU! Sign-up after Masses this weekend, or go to stmaryalexandria.org and click on “Picture Directory Signup” on the home page to reserve your photo session time. Online sign up will be available Monday through Friday. Plenty of good times remain. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: We are looking for people to help during the photo sessions to greet parishioners when they arrive. Our photo sessions will be held Tuesday through Saturday. We will hold a volunteer training on April 24th at 5:30 pm in the Great Hall following daily Mass, a light dinner will be served.Please contact Laurie at 763-9202 for more information.

PARISH NEWS

PASTORAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS Next weekend we will have open nominations for 3 Parish Pastoral Council positions. Nominees must be registered members of the parish and should have celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation. The Pastoral Council is the chief advisory body to the pastor, helping him set the pastoral direction of the parish. If you think of someone after next Sunday, you have a week from Tuesday noon to submit their name.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATIONstmreled@stmaryalexandria.org

320-763-9202

CLASS SCHEDULEGrades 1-5: April 11, 3:45 - 4:30 PMGrades 6-11: April 11, 6:30 - 8:00 PM

FIRST COMMUNION REHEARSALRehearsal will be on Saturday, April 14. We will start in the Great Hall. • 10:00 AM for April 14 First Communion Mass• 11:00 AM for April 22 First Communion Mass

JR/SR HIGH FAITH FORMATIONThis week everyone is invited to attend the Inspired to Be Family Night. Sister Jeanne Wingenter will be here from the School Sisters of Notre Dame to talk to us about how to be Peacemakers in a divisive world. She will be sharing personal tips and insight.

Youth and parents are both invited to attend. The youth will sit with their small group leaders and parents can either sit with their child or elsewhere in the church. We will have time for small group discussion following the speaker.

PARISH HEALTH MINISTRY

NATIONAL HEALTHCARE DECISIONS DAYCelebrate this day by attending a free community seminar. This day exists to inspire, educate and empower the public and providers about the importance of advance healthcare planning. A time to think about your healthcare decisions, discuss your wishes with others, and complete an advance directive for healthcare.The Written Gift, a local community based nonprofit, is sponsoring this seminar on Tuesday, April 17 at Grand Arbor from 1:00 - 4:00 PM with a focus on healthcare decisions (especially the role of healthcare agent) and a written advance directive for healthcare. The seminar features author Deborah Day Laxson and a panel of local community members sharing experience and answering questions regarding advance directives, as well as information about the free services the Written Gift provides. Pre-registration is appreciated, but not required by calling 320-759-4243.

LIFTING SPIRITS, TOUCHING LIVES

FAITH AND FUN WITH FRANCISCANS The Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls are hosting the 11th annual Franciscan Girls Camp on Tuesday, June 5 – Thursday, June 7 in Assisi Park, located on the grounds at St. Francis Convent in Little Falls. Girls who have completed grades 6 – 8 are invited to enjoy a variety of nature and fun activities, campfire, prayer and singing. Participants will have an opportunity to visit with and learn about the Franciscan Sisters and the values of St. Francis of Assisi. In addition, campers will discover their unique gifts and become aware of God’s presence in their lives – all while camping outdoors in the beauty of nature. This year’s theme is “God’s Gifts Within and All Around”.

For more information or to register by May 1, contact Sister Ange Mayers at 320-632-0680 or email: amayers@fslf.org; www.fslf.org. Brochures are available in the Rel. Ed. Office.

CALENDAR RAFFLE WINNERSAPRIL 2018

April 1 David Dahl, Garfield $100April 2 Stephanie Sarberg, Alexandria $20April 3 Virginia Salfer, Wabasso $20April 4 Joel Barten, Alexandria $20 April 5 Shad Bradley, Alexandria $20April 6 Nancy Patrick, Nelson $20April 7 Julie Boyle, Alexandria $20

SCHOOL HAPPENINGS

2018 – 19 Kindergarten Registrations are being accepted. Please contact the school office for more details.

ST. MARY’S SCHOOLSt. Mary’s School educates the whole child within a nurturing Catholic Christian environment.

stmaryss@stmaryalexandria.org,320-763-5861

COME JOIN US IN SUPPORT & CELEBRATION OF ST. MARY’S SCHOOL

AT OUR 10TH ANNUAL CASINO NIGHT FUNDRAISER!

Friday, April 13th Carlos Creek Winery (New Venue!)

Doors Open at 6:00 p.m.

* Event Ticket Prices:$35 or

$45 @ the Door

The 2018 Casino Night Committee would like to thank the Church of St. Mary and its parishioners

for the generous support of our school!

Casino Night is finally here...come join us in support and celebration! Fun is guaranteed as we have something for everyone! We would love to

see you there! Tickets will be available all week at the school office, online, and at the door.

If you are interested in supporting the school through Casino Night, but can’t attend…you can still participate in the silent auction and donations

remotely on your mobile device!

The 2018 Casino Night Committee thanks you for your support!

Visit our event website to view and bid on silent auction items right now!

www.bidpal.net/casinonight2018

One of a Kind Quilt!Created by students of St. Mary’s, special thanks to Jeanne Nelsen!

Holy Feast! Fr. Steve Cooks for 8!Generously donated by Fr. Steve Binsfeld

Pellet Grill & Butcher BoxGenerously donated by the Country Store and Blair Cattle Co.

Principal’s Purse - Yeti Cooler Plus All Its Contents!

Generously donated by Arena Warehouse, Cullens Home Center

and various local businesses

1-Week Stay in Big Sky, MontanaGenerously donated by Tom and Kelly Wosepka

Big SkyMONTANA

A FEW OF OUR LIVE AUCTION ITEMS:

PARISH STAFFSTEVE BINSFELD...........................763-5781PastorTODD WENTWORTH......................763-5781Parish Business AdministratorLAURIE YOUNGERS.......................763-5781Director of Music & LiturgyKATHY FISCHER.............................762-2320 Parish NurseTROY SLADEK.................................763-5861School Principal & Elementary Religious EducationLAURIE BIENIAS..............................763-9202 Logistics CoordinatorGINA POHLEN.................................763-9202Coordinator of Youth Ministries & Confirmation

COMMITTEE CHAIRSELMER KOBBERMANN.................834-3101FRANCIE PETERSON.............320-360-0325 Parish TrusteesSTEVE RUSSELL.....................218-943-5191Pastoral Council PresidentMIKE DOLAN...................................763-4705Finance Committee FRANCIE PETERSON.............320-360-0325Board of EducationTAMMY BOUSHEK.........................760-5405Committee for Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation (JPIC)VERNA WINTER.......................507-329-0135Parish Life CommitteeLEON BREUN...................................763-5781Cemetery Committee

CARING & SHARING ROOM320-760-8084

PASTORAL COUNCILPRESIDENT: Steve RussellVICE PRESIDENT: Mike SponslerSECRETARY: Sonya SkinnerMegan Bristow, Tammy Huss, Dan Hillback, Dawn Houska, Mary Jane Reif, Tabatha Odens

COLLECTION FOR THE WEEKEND OF APRIL 1, 2018

FINANCIAL GIFTS

Easter & Sunday EnvelopeLooseSunday Children

$36,048.00$6,094.00

$238.00

$29,941.18$2,115.38

$115.38

ACTUAL BUDGETED

A more detailed report may be viewed at the Parish Office.

LITURGICAL & MUSICAL NOTESDivine Mercy Sunday

Today is Divine Mercy Sunday. Please join us for the Chaplet of Divine Mercy at 3:00 p.m.!!!

1. What is Divine Mercy Sunday? Divine Mercy Sunday is celebrated on the Second Sunday of Easter. It is based on the private revelations of St. Faustina Kowalska, which recommended a particular devotion to the Divine Mercy. It also has links to the Bible and the readings of this day.2. When was it made part of the Church’s calendar? In 2000, Pope John Paul II canonized St. Faustina and, during the ceremony, he declared: It is important then that we accept the whole message that comes to us from the word of God on this Second Sunday of Easter, which from now on throughout the Church will be called “Divine Mercy Sunday”. 3. If this is based on private revelation, why is it on the Church’s calendar? Popular piety is a sign that the faith is spreading its roots into the heart of a people in such a way that it reaches into daily life. Popular religiosity is the first and fundamental mode of “inculturation” of the faith. While it must always take its lead and direction from the liturgy, it in turn enriches the faith by involving the heart. 4. What does the Church do to encourage the celebration of devotion to the Divine Mercy on this day? Among other things, it offers a plenary indulgence: a plenary indulgence, granted under the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion and prayer for the intentions of Supreme Pontiff) to the faithful who, on the Second Sunday of Easter or Divine Mercy Sunday, in any church or chapel, in a spirit that is completely detached from the affection for a sin, even a venial sin, take part in the prayers and devotions held in honour of Divine Mercy, or who, in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament exposed or reserved in the tabernacle, recite the Our Father and the Creed, adding a devout prayer to the merciful Lord Jesus (e.g. Merciful Jesus, I trust in you!”). 5. What is the Divine Mercy image? The Divine Mercy image is a depiction of Jesus based on a vision that St. Faustina had in 1931. There have been a number of paintings made of this image. A basic explanation of the image is: Jesus is shown in most versions as raising his right hand in blessing,and pointing with his left hand on his chest from which flow forth two rays: one red and one white (translucent). The depictions often contain the message “Jesus, I trust in You!” (Polish: Jezu ufam Tobie). The rays streaming out have symbolic meaning: red for the blood of Jesus (which is the Life of Souls), and pale for the water (which justify souls) (from Diary - 299). The whole image is symbolic of charity, forgiveness and love of God, referred to as the “Fountain of Mercy”. According to the diary of St Faustina, the image is based on her 1931 vision of Jesus. 6. What is the Chaplet of Divine Mercy? The Chaplet of Divine Mercy is a set of prayers used as part of the Divine Mercy devotion. They are usually said using a standard set of Rosary beads, often at 3 p.m. (the time of Jesus’ death), but with a different set of prayers than those used in the Marian Rosary.7. How is the Divine Mercy devotion linked to the Scripture readings for the Second Sunday of Easter? The Divine Mercy image depicts Jesus at the moment he appears to the disciples in the Upper Room, after the Resurrection, when he empowers them to forgive or retain sins. This moment is recorded in John 20:19-31, which is the Gospel reading for this Sunday in all three yearly Sunday liturgical cycles (A, B, and C).8. How does this relate to the sacrament of confession? It relates directly to it. Jesus empowered the apostles (and their successors in ministry) with the Holy Spirit to either forgive or retain (not forgive) sins. Because they are empowered with God’s Spirit to do this, their administration of forgiveness is efficacious--it really removes sin rather than just being a symbol of forgiveness a person is already thought to have obtained. Because they are instructed to forgive or retain, they must discern which they are to do. This means that they need to know about the sin and whether we are truly repentant of it. As a result, we must tell them about the sin and our sorrow for it. Hence: confession.

(formerly Birthright)1114 Broadway320-762-1224

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