DIOCESAN—For the second year, the Diocese of Rockford will invite Catholics to come to confession during its “Be Reconciled” event, March 25.
Recognizing the need for God’s grace and forgiveness in the lives of Catholics, Bishop David Malloy last year launched a new “Be Reconciled” initiative to make the sacrament of reconciliation more available in the Lenten season and to allow fallen-away Catholics a chance to renew their faith.
Bishop Malloy has again asked all 105 parishes in the 11-county diocese to add Wednesday, March 25 to their regular Lenten confession calendar and, where possible, to offer confessions that day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. It is being called “Be Reconciled” day.
“As we enter the Season of Lent, it is always important for us to take stock of our spiritual lives. By the Church’s traditional prayer, fasting and charity, we draw closer to Christ and to the Church. Our souls are laid open to be strengthened by Christ’s love, grace and forgiveness.
“Lent is a privileged moment to focus on forgiveness,” Bishop Malloy said when he introduced the initiative.
“As Catholics, the primary way to seek forgiveness year-round, but especially during Lent, is through the sacrament of reconciliation. In that encounter with Christ through the humanity of the priest, we acknowledge our sinful separation from God’s love, we seek forgiveness and Christ stands ready to reconcile us.”
“The goal of this day is captured in its slogan, “Be Reconciled.” There are many people who have felt the longing for reconciliation but, because of fear or other reasons, have put off going to confession. If you know someone who has been away from the sacrament of reconciliation, invite them to “Be Reconciled” on March 25 or anytime during Lent. If that person is you, the opportunity for reconciliation, to talk about your questions or concerns with a priest or just to make your Lenten confession is there,” Bishop Malloy said.
According to an anonymous survey taken after Be Reconciled in 2014, priests reported a record number of confessions and that many people who took part had not been to confession for anywhere from five to 50 years.
Bishop Malloy is also dedicating some of his Lenten columns in The Observer to preparing for and getting the most out of the sacrament of confession.
Like Be Reconciled in 2014, people are being invited to confession through radio, television and newspaper advertisements throughout the diocese, as well as through Facebook and Twitter and a dedicated page on the diocesan website at http://bereconciled.rockforddiocese.org. The site will again include confession times for all parishes in the Rockford Diocese, “Frequently asked Questions” about confession, guides for the examination of conscience, the Act of Contrition and parish resources for promoting the initiative. Parish confession times will be updated online as they are received and will be printed in the Feb. 27 issue of The Observer.
Contact information for all parishes in the diocese are listed at www.rockforddiocese.org.