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Father, in this most penitential season, I am struggling. I truly want to make a good Confession. Here is my problem. I know we imperfect human beings are all sinners and I pray daily not only for the forgiveness of my sins but for the grace to become the person God needs me to be. I desire to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation monthly. But I go only yearly and that is because I truly don't know what to say; what to define as sins! I've read all the aids I can find on defining sin. I know we all are sinners, but I honestly don't know what I do, think or say that is sinful. Please advise how I can receive forgiveness, as I am penitential . . . but for what? I know all about sins of omission and I put great effort into 'serving.' I've struggled with this problem for years, prayed over it but in my heart I just can't say "Forgive me for feeling anger at someone?" If I don't act on the anger, is that a sin. Now I am rambling. Please help. Thank you.
Hi, Kate:
Thanks for the question.
Don't give up the struggle. It's good to know that you don't go out of your way to commit sin, which adds the property of malice to any delict. One may always express sorrow again and again for past sins in confession, as well to make a valid confession. Having anger in one's heart, even if not acted upon, is indicative of the disorder of the effects of original sin. We pray for God's healing grace and help to have more prefectly pure hearts that do not give give room to antipathy, hatred, or anger against our neighbor.
May God bless you during this holy season of Lent!
Fr. Timothy Johnson
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Fr. Timothy Johnson
Expertise
A Traditional Catholic Priest, validly and licitly ordained, incardinated legally and canonically in the Diocese of Fargo, and in good-standing with my Local Ordinary (Bishop) on active assignment at a rural Tri-Parish. I can provide honest and balanced answers to questions on topics pertaining to Traditional Roman Catholicism of the Latin Church (Councils of Trent and Vatican II)and a lot about the Eastern Catholic Churches, including the Sacred Liturgy, Sacred Scripture, Church History, the use of the Latin language, the tradition of Sacred Music, and current events in the Catholic Church from a traditional, historical and balanced perspective.
Experience
I have been ordained a Roman Catholic Priest since June 2001.
Organizations
Knights of Columbus; Church Music Association of America (CMAA)
Education/Credentials
Ordained Priest, 02 JUN 2001; Ordained Deacon, 27 JAN 2001; MA - Dogmatic/Systematic Theology;
MDiv - Professional Degree from Seminary;
2-Years formation with Canons Regular of Premontre including studies and experience in Sacred Liturgy, Chant, Latin, Sacraments, Spirituality.
BA - Scholastic/Thomistic Philosophy;
BA - Liberal Arts;
AA - General Studies.
Past/Present Clients
I serve 3-small, rural Parish Communities in Easter North Dakota
I converted to the Roman Catholic Church in 1981, at the age of 15.
Over the years I have done work as an organist, cantor, and choir director for the Latin Rite (English & Latin) Mass (Liturgy of the Eucharist), and even for the Hours of the Divine Office.
I have worked as a cantor for a Melkite Byzantine Catholic Church.
Presently my pastoral and administrative duties as a Catholic Priest do not allow me as much time as I used to have to devote to Sacred Music; but for my weekend Masses and Solemnities within my Tri-Parish, I offer High Sung Mass in English. Weekday Mass is typically Low Mass (recited Mass) in English, though on occasion I will offer the "Tridentine Mass" in Latin, which I usually offer on my "Day Off", as well. And now, in light of the "Motu Proprio" by his Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI placing the extraordinary usage of the Roman Rite back into the mainstream of the Catholic Church, I have been offering a regularly scheduled SUN, 2:00 PM Tridentine Latin Mass with a community of the faithful that has a stable existence.
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