Catholic parishes offer all-day confession for 'Be Reconciled' Day March 16

DIOCESE OF ROCKFORD-- Recognizing the need to share God's grace, mercy and forgiveness, Bishop David Malloy and all parishes in the Catholic Diocese of Rockford are again inviting all Catholics to confession during "Be Reconciled Day" Wednesday, March 16.

The Be Reconciled initiative was started in 2014 by Bishop Malloy to make the Sacrament of Reconciliation, or confession, readily available on one particular day in all 105 parishes in the 11-county Diocese of Rockford.

Through "Be Reconciled" Bishop Malloy asks that parishes be open, where possible, for confessions from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

According to Catholic teaching, the Sacrament of Reconciliation imparts the love of God and God's grace to those who are sorry for their sins and confess them to a priest who grants God's forgiveness. Catholics are to be in a state of grace and be free of any mortal sin before receiving communion which Catholics believe is the true presence of Jesus Christ.

Bishop Malloy said, "As we approach 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. The mercy of Jesus in the confessional can heal even old and deep wounds, and we are the better for it."

"Pope Francis reminds us continually that God's mercy is without limit or end. We need only to turn to Him and ask," said Bishop Malloy. "And that is what Be Reconciled Day is all about and why Bishop Malloy is again inviting all Catholics "no matter how long it's been," to come to confession through his weekly column published in The Observer Catholic Newspaper, in parish bulletins, in advertisements in newspapers, on radio and television and social media.

"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 16 or anytime during Lent. If that person is you, the opportunity is there for reconciliation, to talk about your questions or concerns with a priest or just to make your regular Lenten confession. Let's make this Lent a time of deep and joyful reconciliation which Pope Francis has called us to," Bishop Malloy said.

To find out more about Be Reconciled, the Sacrament of Reconciliation and for parishes and confession times near you, visit bereconcilied.rockforddiocese.org.