Private Confession and Absolution at St. Paul's - Lockport
At the time of the Reformation, Luther and all of the faithful Reformers were insistent upon retaining private confession and absolution in the church. Why? Because of the great benefit to the one who is confessing his or her sins to openly admit (confess) the same and then to hear from the lips of the called and ordained servant of the Lord (their Pastor) the wonderful words of absolution.
When the Lutheran princes approached Emperor Charles V in 1530 and resented what is known as The Augsburg Confession, they stated in Article XI, Concerning Confession,
It is taught among us that private absolution should be retained and not allowed to fall into disuse. However, in confession it is not necessary to enumerate all trespasses and sins, for this is impossible. Ps. 19: 12, "Who can discern his errors?"
Also, Martin Luther wrote the following regarding private confession and absolution:
...private confession should be retained in the church, for in it consciences afflicted and crushed by the terrors of sin lay themselves bare and receive consolation which they could not acquire in public preaching. We want to open up confession as a port and refuge for those whose onsciences the devil holds enmeshed in his snares and whom he completely bewitches and tonnents in such a way that they cannot free or extricate themselves and feel and see nothing else but that they must perish. For there is no other greater misery in this life than the pains and perplexities of a heart that is destitute of guidance and solace.
For this reason I have a high regard for private confession, for here God's word and absolution are spoken privately and individually to each believer for the forgiveness of his sins, and as often as he desires it he may have recourse to it for this forgiveness, and also for comfort, counsel, and guidance. Thus it is a precious, useful thing for souls, as long as no one is driven to it with laws and commandments but sinners are left free to make use of it, each according to his own need, when and where he wishes; just as we are free to obtain counsel and comfort, guidance and instruction when and where our need or our inclination moves us. And as long as one is not forced to enumerate all sins but only those which oppress him most grievously.
Although St. Paul's, Lockport and Pastor Hein have been offering private confession and absolution to those who so desire it, we now offer the same at specified times to encourage our parishioners to avail themselves of this
great blessing.
St. Paul's offers private confession on Wednesday mornings - 8:30 a.m. to noon, and Saturday afternoons from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.. So that Pastor can schedule private confessions with his other ministry activities, we ask that you call him at least the day before to schedule a time for you to meet with him privately.
If you cannot come on the days and times mentioned above, Pastor will be happy to schedule another time with you.
Private confession takes place at the chancel rail in our sanctuary which is closed to all other people during this time. A copy of the order of confession which we use at St. Paul's as well as a document to help you prepare for confession are available from our church office. It is important to note that our Pastor, at his ordination, took a vow never to divulge to anyone what is said to him in private confession. Also. do not shy away from private confession because you are concerned that our Pastor will think less of you because of your sins or act differently toward you afterward. That will not happen because our Pastor loves us and rejoices that we have confessed our sins and have received full and complete forgiveness through Christ our Lord. If you have any questions about private confession and absolution. talk with Pastor about them!
