PROSPECT HEIGHTS — Today, Dec. 18, the Diocese of Brooklyn joins the Archdiocese of New York and the Diocese of Rockville Centre in celebrating Reconciliation Monday.

During the afternoon and evening, all parishes in the Diocese of Brooklyn will offer the sacrament of reconciliation from 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. to help parishioners spiritually prepare for Christmas, Msgr. Joseph Grimaldi, the vicar general for the diocese, said in a Nov. 30 letter to diocesan pastors and administrators.

He said, “Reconciliation Monday has been a great success in our diocese over the past few years,” adding that the feedback from parishioners and priests shows “what a truly positive and renewing experience it has been for all involved.”

This year, hundreds of churches will simultaneously offer the sacrament of reconciliation, which Msgr. Grimaldi described as a “powerful invitation to those Catholics who may be away from the sacrament for a period of time to be drawn back to this encounter with God’s reconciling love.”

He said all active priests who are not currently on a full-time assignment as well as retired priests and religious order priests who are able to travel are asked to assist parish priests in hearing confessions.

More information can be found at: unitedbychristmas.org/reconciliation-monday. The link provides a guide for what to expect in the sacrament of reconciliation and an examination of conscience that can be used prior to receiving the sacrament.

The website described Reconciliation Monday as “the perfect opportunity to reflect on our conscience and examine our connection with God. When we express our sorrows for the wrongs we have caused within our lives and to the lives of others, we can experience God’s true desire to bring us His peace. It is by His saving grace and forgiveness that we see just how merciful He truly is.”