WASHINGTON (February 1, 1999) -- The Subcommittee on the Third Millennium of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops is offering its second book of readings in preparation for the celebration of the Third Millennium and Jubilee Year 2000.

This 52-page resource, titled Book of Readings on Reconciliation, is a collection of essays on reconciliation, forgiveness and the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation.

"During the Jubilee Year, God extends this opportunity to the Church and to each of us in a special way at the close of the twentieth century," writes Bishop Wilton Gregory, Subcommittee Chairman, in his introduction. "We are invited to sweep aside the many reasons we have for putting off reconciliation with God, our families, communities, friends and colleagues. We are invited to experience the Year 2000 as a graced moment in history, to enter into the Third Millennium of Christianity a renewed people. As we look around our world today we see signs of the need for reconciliation and healing, but also evident are signs for the individual and communal acts of healing and reconciliation."

Among the eleven essays is "A Spirituality of A Reconciling Community" by Mercy Sister Marie Chin, and "Celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation," by Norbertine Father Ciferni. Sister Chin and Father Ciferni were keynote speakers at last year's Convovation '98/National Lay Forum in Denver, co-sponsored by the Subcommittee.

Also included, are sample print public service announcements which are part of an ongoing Jubilee project funded and produced by the Bishops' Catholic Communication Campaign.

One complimentary copy of the Book of Readings has been provided to each diocesan Jubilee contact. Additional copies may be purchased for $6 from the Millennium office, 202-541-3244.

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