A thank you followed by a change in the Words of Absolution during confession.
 
 
Thank you all for an incredible weekend with Craig and Ramiro from Hope of the Poor. The Masses went well, and the Holy Spirit was really moving with their Spanish and English missions. Thank you for all those who prayed, came, and generously gave. Craig told me regarding the donations, “I will carefully take their gifts to the poor and serve them with their gifts!”
 
Gracias a todos por un fin de semana increíble con Craig y Ramiro de Esperanza de los Pobres. Las Misas salieron bien y el Espíritu Santo realmente se movió con sus presentaciones en español e inglés. Gracias por todos los que rezaron, vinieron y generosamente dieron. Craig me dijo con respecto a las donaciones: "¡Llevaré cuidadosamente sus ofrendas a los pobres y les serviré con sus donativos!".

WORDS OF ABSOLUTION: NEW TRANSLATION
 Beginning on Ash Wednesday, priests were able to begin using an updated translation for the words of absolution during the sacrament of reconciliation. The change is not required until Divine Mercy Sunday, April 16. It is a subtle change that only impacts the words that the priest prays over the penitent for the forgiveness of sins. I have read three articles trying to determine why they are updating the translation. It seems that either the U.S. bishops or the Vatican decided that it was time to improve the translation—that is the best ‘why’ that I can determine.

Here is the new translation with the changes in bold:
 “God, the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of his Son has reconciled the world to himself and poured out the Holy Spirit for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church may God grant you
pardon and peace. And I absolve you from your sins in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
 
It previously read, “and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins.” And the “grant” used to be “give.” A subtle updating of the translation. As a side note in my detective work, comparing the new translation to the Spanish prayer, they are now a closer match. Now it is time for me to start practicing and memorizing these changes. Praying for all of you as we continue our journeys through Lent—all for the salvation of souls!
 
In Mary’s Immaculate Heart,
Fr. Stegbauer