Catholics offered more times to confess

 PORTLAND, Maine — From Monday, March 14, to Friday, March 18, all Maine Catholics are invited to experience God’s love, mercy and forgiveness through the sacrament of reconciliation (confession).

“The Light is On and the Door of Mercy is Open for You” represents the multiple opportunities for confession being offered by parishes throughout the diocese.

Locations for the Parish of the Precious Blood include the following:

Caribou: Holy Rosary Church, 32 Vaughn St., Monday and Tuesday, March 14 and 15, 6-7 p.m.

Limestone: St. Louis Church, 100 Main St., penitential service on Palm Sunday, March 20, at 4 p.m.

Presque Isle: St. Mary’s Church, 331 Main St., Wednesday and Thursday, March 16 and 17, 6-7 p.m.

“During this Holy Season of Lent, receive the gift of forgiveness by coming to Christ through reconciliation,” said Bishop Robert P. Deeley. “After making a good confession, people experience great peace. Reconciliation is the way in which we return back to full communion with the Lord. It is a sacrament of love.”

The initiative holds special significance in this Holy Year of Mercy (through Nov. 20), declared by Pope Francis, which aims to help all believers have a genuine experience of God’s mercy, both received and given.

People who have been away from the sacrament may worry that they no longer know how to go to confession. In that case, they should tell the priest that it’s been a while since they have received the sacrament and ask for help to make a good confession. The priest will guide them through the ritual.