Catholic churches to host Reconciliation Monday March 25

Catholics from throughout the Diocese of Wilmington are invited to receive the sacrament of reconciliation (confession) during the third annual diocesan-wide Reconciliation Monday, from 3 to 8 p.m., March 25, at any of the 56 parish churches in Delaware and on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The event is designed to make it more convenient for Catholics to receive the sacrament at the end of Lent and beginning of Holy Week, in anticipation of the celebration of Easter.

“Reconciliation Monday has become a popular annual event with our parishioners and priests,” said the Most Rev. William E. Koenig, bishop of Wilmington. “Many of God’s people who had fallen away from their faith used this opportunity to participate in the sacrament of reconciliation and return to mass at Easter. We invite all Catholics – whether it has been months, years or decades since their last confession – to take advantage of this diocesan-wide event in which all of our priests will participate.”

All parishes offer the sacrament of reconciliation on a regular basis. Many parishes offer penance services during Lent. While all parishes will participate, it is not possible for every mission church in the diocese to hold confessions due to the limited number of priests. Parishioners are encouraged to check their local parish website before heading out, or go to cdow.org/ReconciliationMonday.

According to the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, Jesus entrusted the ministry of reconciliation to the church. The sacrament of penance (reconciliation or confession) is God's gift to humanity so that any sin committed after baptism can be forgiven. Confession offers the opportunity to repent and recover the grace of friendship with God. It is a holy moment in which individuals open themselves up to God’s presence and honestly acknowledge their sins, especially mortal sins. Absolution brings reconciliation with God and the church.