Our topic this month: Confession - The Second Plank of Salvation.

  

Well, I have to confess that the March newsletter is way late! As many of you know, I support my family as a "tax collector" - I am a CPA with a small tax practice. March and April are bizzy. But, better late than never!

  

The Catholic Church teaches that Confession (the sacrament of Penance) was instituted by Christ for sinful members of the Church, especially those who have committed a grave sin. In the waters of Baptism, the Catholic is "born again" and receives the grace of justification (see the December 2010 newsletter). But this grace is lost when a serious sin is committed after Baptism. Thus, the necessity for another sacrament which offers the possibility to convert again and recover the grace of justification. The Catholic Catechism calls Penance "the second plank of salvation after the shipwreck which is the loss of grace."

The articles this month are provided by Dr. Joe Mizzi (Just for Catholics) and ex-priest Richard Bennett (Berean Beacon). I encourage you to visit their websites and familiarized yourselves with their ministries.

  

In the news, technologically-savvy Catholics have a new tool (approved by the Church) for examining their consciences before confessing their sins to a priest. It is nicknamed the "Priest in your Pocket." This app, available on the Apple Iphone, gives helpful suggestions of possible sins to confess based on stage of life and vocation. It also is useful during the confession, and to record any advice and penance received from the priest.

  

Finally, the April 30-May 1 debate between Rob Zins (Christian Witness to Roman Catholicism) and Catholic apologist William Albrecht (Catholic Legate) in Eagle Pass, TX has been cancelled due to the health of Mr. Albrecht. Rob spent a great deal of time preparing for this debate - primarily concerning the Marian doctrines of Catholicism. PLEASE PRAY FOR ROB as he considers his future schedule and ministry. I will be featuring his ministry in a future issue of the newsletter. 

  

"And have mercy on some, who are doubting; save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh. Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God or Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen." Jude 22-25.