Reconciliation during the time of Covid-19

The Sacrament of Reconciliation in the time of the Covid-19 Virus Pandemic

The Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Franciscan Friars are considering offering the Sacrament of Reconciliation during this time of the current “safer-at-home” restrictions for Tampa and Hillsborough County. We would like to know how many of our parishioners would take advantage of this opportunity to celebrate with their own parish priests.

How would it work? The friars would be available on Saturday morning from 9:30 am until 10:30 am at the North Campus. We would ask parishioners to enter the premises via the gate closest to the traffic light (Lake Ave.) and park. Then come to the ellipse at the front of the school building and (in the shade) form an orderly line with 6-foot separation.  The priests will be located in (1) the Library, (2) the auditorium, and (c) the cafeteria.  When a penitent exits from that location, the next person can come to the same door, enter and celebrate the sacrament.

What we ask.  Please come wearing a mask/face covering. Be prepared to stand (so that we are not required to sanitize the chair after each confession) and observe safe social distancing practices.  There will be more than enough separation to maintain the sanctity of the sacrament.

Are you interested in celebrating? The first Saturday we might offer this is Saturday April 25th.  If you are interested please text “ConfessSH” to 84576 on your mobile phone. This will give us an idea of how many people might come and thus how many priests would need to be available.  We will then be able to communicate specifically to the interested parishioners in addition to more general communications.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation at Sacred Heart. The friars hear many confessions during the week as part of our normal-times ministry…very few are parishioners. Most work downtown. On Saturday afternoon before the Vigil Mass, we also offer the Sacrament. Very few parishioner take advantage of the opportunity – and we understand. Most of our parishioners celebrate at parishes closer to where they live – for a variety of reasons.

Still we want to make the opportunity available – and we want to see how many might be interested.  Many parishioners celebrate at Christ the King.  If that is something you might be interested in their schedule is provided below – Fr. Len is happy to welcome you. The sacrament is celebrated outside in the St. Michael Courtyard on their Dale Mabry campus:

  • WED: 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
  • FRI: Noon to 2:00 p.m.
  • SAT: 10:00 a.m. to Noon and 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.