“There is no sin that God cannot pardon. All we need to do is ask for forgiveness.” – Pope Francis
Day of Confessions is one day a year when priests across the Archdiocese devote themselves to hearing confessions. Archbishop Richard Smith will be among those in the confessional, and he invites you to participate.
“On March 3, all the priests of the Archdiocese of Edmonton will make themselves available throughout the day to hear your confession, and to grant that greatest of all gifts: absolution, forgiveness in the name of Christ,” Archbishop Smith writes in his Letter of Invitation. “It’s the moment of truth-telling that sets us free. It’s the moment of forgiveness that brings us peace.”
“As we prepare, I suggest we reflect on this invitation from Jesus himself: “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matt 11:28) Here Jesus makes very clear his desire to lift from our hearts all that is weighing us down. There is no heavier burden than unrepentant guilt; it expresses itself in fear, anxiety, clouded thinking, and eclipsed moral vision. Peace is not possible as long as we live with the sin from which we have not been released.”
“Jesus wants to lift that burden. He makes that possible for each of us by means of the Sacrament of Penance, also called the Sacrament of Reconciliation.”
Drop by the church and experience the grace of God in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Priests welcome you no matter how long it’s been since you have been to Confession, and no matter what you want or need to confess.
Within the Greater Edmonton Area, we have identified six ‘hub parishes’ where groups of priests will hear confessions from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on March 3:
- St. Joseph Basilica
- Corpus Christi Parish
- St. Thomas More Parish
- St. John Bosco
- St. Albert Parish, St. Albert
- Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Sherwood Park
Hours for confessions at other parishes can be found on our Day of Confessions page.
For information about the sacrament, how to prepare for it, and how to celebrate it,
Download the Day of Confessions information pamphlet.
Remember, God is always merciful!