"The Widow's Mite" (detail)
by James C. Christensen, 1999
"Let me say this much: He who sows
sparingly will reap sparingly, and he who sows
bountifully will reap bountifully. Everyone must
give according to what he has inwardly decided; not
sadly, not grudgingly, for God loves a cheerful
giver. God can multiply His favors among you
so that you may always have enough of everything and
even a surplus for god works, as it is written:
'He scattered abroad and gave to the poor, his
justice endures forever.' He who supplies seed for
the sower and bread for the eater will provide in
abundance; He will multiply and increase the seed
you sow and increase your generous yield. In
every way your liberality is enriched; through us it
results in thanks offered to God. The
administering of this public benefit not only
supplies the needs of the members of the church but
also overflows in much gratitude to God."
(2 Corinthians 9:6-12)
Peter Catching Fish for Stater for the
Temple Tax
About the year 1000
artist unknown
"Repent and believe the Good News!"
Penance means conversion. The Confraternity of
Penitents is a world wide private Catholic
association of the faithful, completely loyal to our
Pope and the Magisterium.
Our Rule of Life has been reviewed by our bishop and
recognized in these words: "this Rule does not
contain anything contrary to our faith; therefore it
may be safely practiced privately by you or by
anyone inclined to do so. . . . His Excellency
is appreciative of your efforts to live and promote
Franciscan spirituality and especially promote the
neglected practice of penance and he wishes you
success" (January 30, 1998).
Members of the Confraternity of Penitents live this
Rule in their own homes, devoted to prayer, penance,
fasting, conversion, and works of mercy modeled on
Jesus Christ and inspired by the lives and teachings
of
St. Francis,
St. Dominic,
St. Therese,
St. Benedict,
St. Augustine,
St. Ignatius,
and all the saints, most especially Mary, the Mother
of God, who lived a life of true penance
(conversion) in perfect union with our Lord.
May Our Lady and all the saints intercede for all
who wish to embrace a life of penance, anywhere in
the world, so that the grace of God will assist them
to obtain every virtue necessary for a life of
holiness and surrender to the Will of God! Amen.
PRAYER OF PENITENTS
"Most High, Glorious God, enlighten the darkness
of my mind, give me right faith, a firm hope and
perfect charity, so that I may always and in all
things act according to Your Holy Will. Amen."
(Saint Francis's prayer before the San Damiano
Crucifix)
MISSION OF PENITENTS
"Go and repair My House
which, as you can see, is falling into ruin." (The
message given to St. Francis in a voice from the San
Damiano Crucifix.)
ACTION OF PENITENTS
To pray for God's
specific direction in one's life so that, through
humbly living our Rule of Life, each penitent may
help to rebuild the house of God by bringing love of
God and neighbor to his or her own corner of the
world.
|
SUPPORTING THE CONFRATERNITY OF PENITENTS
"You have only to say, 'Charity
for the love of God.' And since, in exchange
for what they give you, your benefactors will
receive the incomparable blessing of God's love, you
will therefore be in the position of someone who
offers a hundred-fold for one. So be not
ashamed, but go forth with joy." St. Francis's
words to his followers when he sent them begging.
What do
cornflakes have to do with coins and charity?
Have you
ever thought of donating the cost of a box of cornflakes to
the Confraternity of Penitents?
The Confraternity of Penitents is a non profit,
tax exempt 501c3 entity under the United States
Government. None of our members, officers, or
leaders are required to pay anything to be in
the Confraternity nor do any receive a stipend
or salary. All volunteer their time and
services to advance the Kingdom of God through
embracing a life of penance.
Donations pay for internet services, web site
fees, postage, phone bills, spiritual leadership
training, retreats, office supplies, and
printing as well as alms where applicable.
If you would like to support the
Confraternity, we thank you in advance for your
donation and ask God's blessings upon you.
All money donated to the Confraternity of
Penitents is tax deductible.
To donate, please mail your tax deductible
contribution (checks made out to Confraternity
of Penitents) directly to
Confraternity of Penitents
c/o Bob Boczek, Treasurer
303 Town
Green Way
Reistertown MD 21136
or
Make a donation on line, via
electronic check, PayPal, or credit card, by clicking on this
button:
You can also support the Confraternity by ordering
Catholic religious items and books from the
Confraternity of Penitents Holy Angels Gift Shop, on
this
link.
If you would like to support a seminarian on a
monthly basis, by making an automatic transfer from
your bank to our CFP Alms Fund, please contact us
for information.
Whatever you give, or whether you give, we ask for
your prayers for the Confraternity, our members, and
our intentions. Prayer is the very best
donation of all.
Confraternity of Penitents
520 Oliphant Lane
Middletown RI USA
02842-4600
401/849-5421
bspenance@hotmail.com
copenitents@yahoo.com
|