PORTLAND — From Monday, March 23, to Friday, March 27, all Maine Catholics are invited to experience God’s love, mercy and forgiveness through the Sacrament of Reconciliation at “The Light is On for You.”

During the initiative, Bishop Robert P. Deeley has announced that each parish will designate at least one of its churches to offer confessions Monday through Friday from 6 to 7 p.m.

Lent is a time of penance and self-sacrifice in preparation for commemorating the passion and death of Christ on Good Friday and to celebrate His resurrection on Easter Sunday. Each year, the season of Lent provides an opportunity for Christians to deepen their baptismal faith in the Lord Jesus. It is also an opportunity to renew that faith at Easter. Confronting our sinfulness and seeking reconciliation is an important part of that conversion of faith.

In order to provide greater opportunity for Confession, or the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the Diocese of Portland once again will sponsor “The Light is On for You.” This initiative makes Confession available in all parishes at the same time for the convenience of all. It provides an opportunity for all of us, including those who have been away from the Church, to be reconciled with God and the Church in order to be renewed in faith at Easter.

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.

To search by county for a church offering “The Light is On for You,” visit www.portlanddiocese.org/lightison. To search by parish, visit www.portlanddiocese.org/light-is-on-parishes. These sites will be updated frequently leading up to March 23.

Prince of Peace Parish

Sunday, March 22, 2 p.m., Holy Family Church. 

Monday, March 23: 6 to 7 p.m., Holy Family Church.

Tuesday, March 24: 6 to 7 p.m., Holy Family Church.

Wednesday, March 25: 4 to 4:30 p.m., Basilica Chapel, and 6 to 7 p.m., Holy Family Church.

Thursday, March 26: 6 to 7 p.m., Holy Family Church.

Friday, March 27: 4 to 4:30 p.m., Basilica Chapel, and 6 to 7 p.m., Holy Family Church.

Saturday, March 28: 3 to 3:45 p.m., Basilica Chapel, Holy Cross Church and Holy Family Church.

To view other events taking place at Prince of Peace Parish, go to www.princeofpeace.me.