Metuchen, NJ
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This report is a continuation from yesterday’s story and comes to us from team leader Alpa with our Somerville-Immaculate Conception parish team in NJ:
-We spoke to two women who were faithful Sunday Mass goers. When I asked one of them if she’s been to confession recently, she said she hasn’t been in decades because once a priest told her that unless she commits a mortal sin, she has no need for confession. I then told her about an incident I had in my life where I had justified to myself that something I’d done wasn’t a mortal sin, but after speaking to two devout Catholics that I respect, both told me that it was indeed a mortal sin. I spoke to her about how not only are sins forgiven, we also get graces from the sacrament to help us from committing more sin. She and her friend both took a confession booklet
-Later we met Angelina, who confided in us that she is a faithful Catholic, yet is becoming somewhat weary as she has health problems. After some hesitation, she agreed to let us pray with her. As we prayed for her various intentions, one could see some relief come over her burdens. She was so thankful afterward that she walked with her friend, Sophie, over to us. Sophie too was a Catholic, yet shared some of her burdens with us. She has two handicapped children, and it has been hard for them and her. She wanted prayers for her children, yet we also prayed for her and that she knows the Lord’s grace and help to her in light of her great responsibilities as their caretaker. She looked refreshed and was thankful for our prayers.
-Another woman we were blessed to meet was Rosa, who is a fallen away Catholic. We spoke with her about her faith. She is still hurting from the tragic loss of her daughter. We talked with her about that and prayed for her and the soul of her daughter. We also reminded her to not forget about God’s love in these difficulties, and not to forget about the Catholic Church. On that note, she told us that, for some reason, she still keeps a Rosary in her house, indicating that she hasn’t forgotten.
Praised be Jesus Christ!