Catholic parishes to offer confessions March 23-27
Catholics may take part in the sacrament of reconciliation at “The Light is On for You,” an initiative from the Diocese of Portland to offer confession nightly from Monday, March 23, to Friday, March 27. Bishop Robert P. Deeley announced in a news release that each parish in the diocese, which comprises the entire state, will designate at least one of its churches to offer confessions from 6 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Lent, the weeks preceeding Easter and recognized by many Christian faiths, is a time of penance and self-sacrifice in preparation for Good Friday, the day Christians believe Christ died, and Easter Sunday, when they believe he was resurrected.
The diocese is offering a chance for Christians to deepen their faith or renew it, according to the release. “The Light is On for You” initiative will also offer an opportunity for those who have “been away from the sacrament (and) may worry they no longer know how to go to confession.” The diocese recommends those in that situation “tell the priest that it’s been a while since they have received the sacrament and ask for help to make a good confession.”
“After making a good confession, people experience great peace,” Deeley said in the release. “Invite your family members and friends to come with you to experience the wonder of God’s mercy by confessing sins with honesty and humility. Reconciliation is the way in which we return back to full communion with the Lord. It is a sacrament of love.”
To find a church offering “The Light is On for You,” visit www.portlanddiocese.org.
For information, contact Dave Guthro, communications director for the Diocese of Portland, at 321-7810 or dave.guthro@portlanddiocese.org.
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