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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Diocesan Day of Reconciliation
Enables Catholics to Receive Sacrament of
Penance at all Parishes on March 21 |
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ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NEW YORK, March 7, 2005 - This year,
the Diocese of Rockville Centre designated March 21,
Reconciliation Monday -- a day dedicated to the
celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation
(Penance). On this second day of Holy Week, each of the
133 churches in the diocese will have priests available
to hear confessions from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. This day is
in addition to the regularly scheduled days and times
the sacrament is available at each parish.
This special day offers Catholics an additional
opportunity to receive God’s loving forgiveness before
Easter. “Maybe it has been a long time, maybe not,
regardless, why not pay a visit to church and celebrate
the Sacrament of Penance,” said The Most Reverend
William Murphy, Bishop of the Diocese of Rockville
Centre. “Through this beautiful sacrament, Catholics
experience God’s mercy and forgiveness and are filled
with his peace.”
This is the sixth consecutive year in which the diocese
set aside a day during Lent when all parishes
simultaneously offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
To find a Catholic church near you, contact the Diocese
of Rockville Centre at 516-678-5800. For a complete list
of parishes, visit the diocese online at
drvc.org.
About The Diocese of Rockville Centre
The Diocese of Rockville Centre was formed in 1957 and
covers 1,222 square miles in Nassau and Suffolk
Counties. The diocese serves approximately 1.5 million
Catholics (total population in both counties is
approximately 3 million). There are 134 parishes in 119
towns. Last year over 21,000 baptisms, 18,000
confirmations, 21,000 first communions and 5,000
marriages took place in the diocese. There are 2,622
students in kindergarten, 26,738 in primary or
elementary school, 11,979 in secondary school and 9,310
in higher institutions. There are 77 Catholic elementary
schools, high schools and colleges/universities in the
diocese. Catholic Health Services of Long Island
consists of five hospitals, three nursing homes, two
home care agencies, two senior housing complexes, a
community-based home for those with special needs and a
hospice. These facilities served over 743,000 people
last year. Last year, Catholic Charities assisted more
than 80,000 individuals who are poor, vulnerable and
disadvantaged on Long Island. For more information visit
www.drvc.org
For more information:
Sean P. Dolan
sdolan@drvc.org
516-678-5800, ext. 625
Cell: 516-510-0473
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