We are coming to the conclusion of Lent. Next week is the fifth week of our season of penance and conversion. Then comes Holy Week.

But in the Diocese of Rockford on March 25, next Wednesday, there will be a special effort to offer and facilitate the reception of Jesus’ offer of forgiveness, the sacrament of reconciliation. Throughout the diocese, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. confessions will be heard in our parishes as part of the day that we call “Be Reconciled.”

This program seeks to make available to all, in the most convenient way possible, the opportunity to meet with the priest who takes the place of Christ. Just as Jesus, in the Gospels, received those who sought to repent of their sins and change their ways, so the priest, with the power of Jesus, is able to say in His name, “I absolve you of your sins.”

Confession opportunities are being offered all day long so that whatever your schedule, a priest will be available. That goes for a parent dropping the kids off at school, someone heading to or from work, our senior citizens who often are more comfortable being out during the daylight or someone who is busy and on the run for the whole day. We simply ask that you check your local or neighboring parish to find the details of the exact times of their participation or check the diocesan website at http://www.bereconciled.rockforddiocese.org.http://www.bereconciled.rockforddiocese.org">http://www.bereconciled.rockforddiocese.org

In a particular way, Be Reconciled is intended as an invitation to come back to confession for those who have been away for a long time. Sometimes that is the result of a separation from the Church. If that’s the case, Be Reconciled is the Church extending an invitation for you to come back home.

It may be that someone coming to Mass or striving to practice their faith for whatever reason hasn’t been to confession for a while. Here is an easy, non-threatening moment to deal with those sins and regrets that only Jesus can take away from our conscience.

There are some FAQs, frequently asked questions, that come forward at a moment like this. For example, “I’ve been away from confession for quite a while. What if I don’t remember how?” Priests hearing confessions deal with this situation regularly. On a day like this they are even more aware that some could need some extra time or help, and they are ready to give it.

Others say, “I can’t remember what sins to confess. I am worried about going to confession and not knowing what to talk about.” Again, priests are very able and willing to help with this. Why not simply get into the confessional or the reconciliation room and start by saying, “Father, it’s been a long time. Can you help me to make my confession?”

Many parishes make available a printed card with questions and helps to examine your conscience before confession. And they will often include the Act of Contrition so you don’t need to worry if you don’t remember that prayer. The idea is to make this beautiful sacrament as easy to receive as possible.

Sometimes, too, people are working on a particular sin, or weakness or relationship, but aren’t yet ready or able to make that final step of conversion, being done with that sin. We need to be willing to make the effort to give up what is sinful if we are truly sorry, and that is necessary to make a good confession.

But even if someone “isn’t there yet” this could be an opportunity simply to talk to a priest. Even a conversation like that on a day like “Be Reconciled” can be a step toward being done with sin and receiving forgiveness.

Forgiveness is good for each individual and for all of us together. It brings about healing and opens the heart and soul to draw closer to Jesus.

Let me make one final request. Do you know someone, maybe someone you love, who has been away from confession for a long time? When you come to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, could you bring them along? It could well be that your invitation to come with you is just the act of grace that God will provide and that they will need in order to take that step.

I am grateful to all of our priests for the many hours they will spend hearing confessions on March 25. I invite all to come to confession during Lent, this Wednesday or at any other time offered at your parish. But please, one way or the other, come and hear Jesus’s words of forgiveness.

Come and “Be Reconciled.”