The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1914-06-20

Ole Church. Such one is regarded
and received as if a child. The doc
trine of the Church is that baptism
RENTS all sin, original and actual sin,
committed prior to its reception. In
which case, of course, the convert
must have the same docile DISPOSE
lions as a child would have. He must
have the same sorrow for sin, the
same purpose of amendment required
in confession, and must make the
same satisfaction he would be expect
ed to make did he go to confession
Only on these conditions would the
baptism effect the forgiveness of sin.
A convert who had never been bap-
tised would be instructed in the teach
ings of the Church, exhorted to re-
pentance for sin, and baptised abso-
lutely, and might go to First Holy
Communion He could not go to con-
fession first, for baptism must come
before penance. He might go to con-
fession any time afterwards if he
wanted to, and I find most of them
want to- Even if one is not inclined
to confess right after baptism, the
time comes sooner or later when he
will want to confess all the sins COM
mitted in his past life. Understand
this is not required, but converts find
much satisfaction in doing it.
If you were baptised in any denom-
ination and wish to be received into
tho Catholic Nburoh VIZ, ryi1I 10 ~
pected to make a confession of all
your sins committed prior to your re-
ception, whether your previous bap-
tism is considered valid or not; for
the sacrament of penance is for the
sins committed after baptism. You
need not worry, however, one whit
about that; it will be the easiest part
of your reception into the Church, the
most consoling, and the best for your
peace of mind. One convert says: 81
went Ito confession) full of trepida-
ton, and came back full of joy"
Here are some of the things that
your confession will do for you: 1t
will clarity your knowledge of your
self, will help you to know the mean
ing and the number of your big sins,
and to hate sin more keenly, will help
youAto be more sorry in the sight of
God for them, will give definite aim
to your purpose of improvement, will
help to subdue your proud, disobedient
and rebellious spirit by humbling your
self to cheerfully submit to the re
quirements of your new faith, thus
trampling on pride and self-will; it
from sin and peace of soul; it will give
warning, instruction, decision, strength
and encouragement, and suggestions to
avoid sin that you cannot get else
where or from any one but prudent
confessor who knows your needs from
your own confession.
The following interesting interview
find in Segur. You'll like it. The
dear old Cure of AIRS used to hear
mems confessions in the sacristy of
his church during the morning hours.
One day rather pompous public Off
cial wearing button of the Legion
of Honor" in the lapel of his coat
strobe in. Instead of kneeling on the
''prie Dieu'' he went directly to the
cure, and, after polite salute, said:
"My dear sir, I wish to speak with
you" ''Kneel down here" said the
Cure, pointing to the kneeler by his
side. 81 did not come to go to con.
fession," said the officer. What did
you come for them" said the Cure
II came to discuss case with you,
said the member. ITO discuss! How
do l know anything about discussing
Kneel down here" 'But, my dear
sir, wish to say that did not come
to confession; / have not the Faith;
do not believe" Poor man." said
the Cure, you do not believe;
know nothing, but you know less;
know the means of faith, you do not
even know that. Do as l tell you
kneel down here" But it is precise
ly confession l doubt and do not be
1 lieve; I can't confess without faith;
it would be sacrilege, and you would
not permit it." But the old saint
stopped him, saying sweetly: believe
ME-, my good man, l know what Tn
asking; believe Me; kneel dowT
here" He did SO somehow. The
Cure said, "Now make the sigr
of the cross,-in the name of the Fa
Their, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost" The Cure did the rest, ant
in few minutes the pompus officia
went out as happy as a little child
The Cure said afterwards: Il fought
with the devil and won; and behold
a contented man who came for dis
cussion and went to confession"
"Kneel down here. Go in peace, my
child, and God be with you" Amen.