Penitential Rite

Beginning Sunday, February 1, and continuing through the three Sundays before Ash Wednesday (February 18), as well as throughout Lent, our 10:30am Sunday Eucharist will begin with the Penitential Rite (BCP 351).

The Penitential Rite is a prayerful way for the Church to gather honestly before God, acknowledging our need for mercy and receiving again the assurance of God’s forgiveness and grace. Especially as we move toward Holy Week, and Easter, opening our worship in this way will help us enter more fully into the Good News that we are a people beloved by God and being drawn continually back into the heart of God’s reconciling lovingkindness.

On the First Sunday of Lent (February 22), we will begin the liturgy with a responsorial reading of the Decalogue (the Ten Commandments), followed by the General Confession and Absolution. This practice is meant to clarify the intentions of our hearts, rather burden us, preparing us to keep a holy Lent and to rejoice more fully in the new life of Easter.

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The Decalogue
Hear the commandments of God to his people:

I am the Lord your God who brought you out of bondage.
You shall have no other gods but me.
Amen. Lord have mercy.

You shall not make for yourself any idol.
Amen. Lord have mercy.

You shall not invoke with malice the Name of the Lord your God.
Amen. Lord have mercy.

Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.
Amen. Lord have mercy.

Honor your father and your mother.
Amen. Lord have mercy.

You shall not commit murder.
Amen. Lord have mercy.

You shall not commit adultery.
Amen. Lord have mercy.

You shall not steal.
Amen. Lord have mercy.

You shall not be a false witness.
Amen. Lord have mercy.

You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor.
Amen. Lord have mercy.