
The Rite of Reconciliation of a Penitent
Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
John 1:29
On Good Friday this year, April 15, Mother Liz and I will be available from 2:00 to 5:30pm to hear confessions and offer the rite of Reconciliation.
My religious life has usually tended toward the Protestant, and confession has never appealed. I don’t like the idea of someone mediating my relationship with God, and people’s description of confession often sounds either traumatic or superficial. I was persuaded that I should go through the sacrament of confession and reconciliation before being ordained, but when I did it, I did not appreciate it or find it particularly sacramental.
Three years later I sat hunched and sobbing in the office of a Saint Helena sister pouring out the sludge of Sin that threatened to overwhelm me. She did not offer me the rite in that first meeting, because, she said, “You have to be ready to give up the Sin.” I assumed she meant that I would have to be ready never to sin again, a hopeless goal, but the next day she rephrased, “You have to be ready to let Jesus take the Sin away.”
In that moment I felt terrifyingly vulnerable, strangely weightless, and profoundly aware of God’s grace. Then we went through the reconciliation rite, a powerful sacrament in the true sense: a visible and outward sign of an inward and invisible truth. That priest didn’t absolve my sins or mediate my salvation; she guided me to the salvation, absolution, abundant life, and grace that were already available to me if only I would receive them.
There’s an old Anglican adage about confession: “all may, some should, none must.” It is true that none must, but I think all of us should at least once let someone accompany us to the feet of Jesus and give up our sin to the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world.
In peace,
Vacation Bible School
July 25-29, 2022
9am – 12:30pm
Registration is now open for campers and counselors
New to Trinity
Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, we invite you to make a deeper connection with God at Trinity Episcopal Church. Experience the spirit of love and acceptance as we share our gifts in this Christ-centered community.
Worship Schedule
Sunday Morning
8:00 AM – Eucharist
10:00 AM – Eucharist and live streamed via YouTube
Wednesday Evening Prayer
Wednesday Night Live Evening Prayer with Sykes & Wiley. Find the dynamic duo live at 6pm on YouTube @ Trinity Church Towson
Thursday Noon Bible Study
Brown Bag Bible Study, Thursdays from 12-1pm on Zoom. Grab a sandwich and your Bible to join in a discussion of weekly lectionary readings. The meeting information is available on our website or by contacting the office. See the weekly Trinity E-times for the Zoom Link.
Small Groups on ZOOM
During the Summer our Small Groups are taking a break. They will return in the fall.
New to Trinity
Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, we invite you to make a deeper connection with God at Trinity Episcopal Church. Experience the spirit of love and acceptance as we share our gifts in this Christ-centered community.
Worship Schedule
Sunday Morning
8:00 AM – Eucharist
10:00 AM – Eucharist and live streamed via YouTube
Wednesday Evening Prayer
Wednesday Night Live Evening Prayer with Sykes & Wiley. Find the dynamic duo live at 6pm on YouTube @ Trinity Church Towson
Thursday Noon Bible Study
Brown Bag Bible Study, Thursdays from 12-1pm on Zoom. Grab a sandwich and your Bible to join in a discussion of weekly lectionary readings. The meeting information is available on our website or by contacting the office. See the weekly Trinity E-times for the Zoom Link.
Small Groups on ZOOM
During the Summer our Small Groups are taking a break. They will return in the fall.
Trinity On Instagram
Latest News
New to Trinity
Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, we invite you to make a deeper connection with God at Trinity Episcopal Church. Experience the spirit of love and acceptance as we share our gifts in this Christ-centered community.
Worship Schedule
Sunday Morning
8:00 AM – Eucharist
9:00 AM – Sunday School – Youth Groups – Adult Forums
10:00 AM – Eucharist
5:00 PM – Eucharist
Wednesday
12:15 PM – Mid-Day Prayer
Mission Prayer
Dear God, guide us at Trinity Episcopal Church to be an inclusive and caring Christ-centered community nurtured by our worship and tradition. We ask you to strengthen and guide us as we live out our mission to welcome and celebrate the diversity of all people through spiritual education, growth in faith and service in Christ’s Name. Amen.
New to Trinity
Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, we invite you to make a deeper connection with God at Trinity Episcopal Church. Experience the spirit of love and acceptance as we share our gifts in this Christ-centered community.
Worship Schedule
Sunday Morning
8:00 AM – Eucharist
9:00 AM – Sunday School – Youth Groups – Adult Forums
10:00 AM – Eucharist
5:00 PM – Eucharist
Wednesday
12:15 PM – Mid-Day Prayer
Mission Prayer
Dear God, guide us at Trinity Episcopal Church to be an inclusive and caring Christ-centered community nurtured by our worship and tradition. We ask you to strengthen and guide us as we live out our mission to welcome and celebrate the diversity of all people through spiritual education, growth in faith and service in Christ’s Name. Amen.