45% of Catholics Never Celebrate Sacrament of Reconciliation/ Suggestions for Experiencing Forgiveness, Healing and Spiritual Growth

45 percent of U.S. Catholics never celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation; another 30 percent “go to Confession” less than once a year. — Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate, Georgetown University, 2008.
Bridget Mary's Response: 
 I  celebrate this sacrament and find it a great blessing and a  beautiful encounter with God's forgiveness and healing love, 
 God's forgiveness and healing love is always with us.  If you no longer celebrate this sacrament,  recall that no sin or failure can separate you from God's love, then, acknowledge your sins and ask God for forgiveness.  Know that God's mercies are new each day and God embraces you, rejoices with you, weeps with you, moves through you and loves you as the unique person you are with all your gifts and weaknesses. 
Here are two suggestions for Catholic Communities to Celebrate God's Forgivness;
1  Offer General Absolution at sacramental celebrations during liturgies. The Church has reserved it for emergency situations, but I think, this option should be used widely according to pastoral need. We incorporate General Absolution in the Penitential Rite  at Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community during the season of Lent and at other major special liturgies. www.marymotherofjesus.org
2. Offer spiritual direction/ restore anam cara tradition, This ancient tradition comes from the Celts.  Two friends agree to be companions on the journey- opening their hearts and sharing their soul work as they grow spiritually in love with God and with others. 
3. Attend a 12 step program and follow steps for healing make amends and transformation. 
Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP, www.arcwp.org