Read Archbishop Aymond's letter here. (en espanol here)
As has become an annual tradition for Catholics in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, on Wednesday, September 13 all Catholic Churches in the Archdiocese of New Orleans will be open for the Sacrament of Reconciliation beginning from 5 pm to 6:30pm or until the last confession is heard. The evening confession times are meant to encourage Catholics to make time for the Sacrament, and Archbishop Gregory Aymond is encouraging families to go together to receive God’s love, forgiveness and grace in his letter to local Catholics here.
Pope Francis reminds us, “God is a Father and he is always waiting for us! It is so wonderful to feel the merciful embrace of the Father in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The confessional is a place of mercy.”
This marks the fifth year the archdiocese has made this open invitation to all Catholics to come together and to make the Sacrament of Reconciliation available on a weekday evening, and each year, parishes have reported increased participation.
In many parishes, regular confession times are held on the weekends and by appointment with the pastor. It is the hope of the archbishop and archdiocesan leadership that this evening availability makes it more convenient for people to get to church and take advantage of the grace of the sacrament. Those wanting more information about regular confession times or needing to find their church parish are encouraged to visit http://nolacatholic.org/parishes/search. More information about the Sacrament of Reconciliation including a guide to the sacrament and an Examination of Conscience can be found online at nolacatholic.org.