The Archdiocese of Milwaukee is encouraging patrons of the church to participate in confession as part of their observation of Lent this year. 

As part of the yearly observation and celebration of Lent, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee is encouraging its patrons to go to confession for the year. While it may be a common misconception that Catholics are required to go to confession during Lent, the Archdiocese is urging patrons to go now as part of their Lent participation. 

"Experience God’s unending love and mercy through the Sacrament of Reconciliation at your parish. If you have been away, now is a great time to return. Experience His grace at a parish near you," said the Archdiocese in a Facebook post on Sunday. 

According to the United States Conference of Bishops, Lent is characterized as a period of preparation to celebrate the Lord's Resurrection at Easter, where Catholics seek the Lord in prayer by reading Sacred Scripture, giving alms, and practicing self-control through fasting. Lent also calls for the abstinence of luxuries as a way of seeking to follow Christ's will more faithfully.

Traditionally, Lent sees the practice of abstaining from eating meat on Fridays, but the USCCB encourages Catholics to practice exploring self-discipline in other ways. They also note that Catholics should consider the definition of "almsgiving" to include sharing of time and talents in the midst of the ongoing pandemic. 

Confession, known as the Sacrament of Reconciliation, serves as an opportunity for Catholics to confess and repent for their sins in order to be absolved for those sins by Jesus. Confession is also a way to restore the relationship with God that may have been damaged by sin, according to the USCCB. 

In an interview with EWTN, Father Edward McNamara, LC, explained that Catholics are required to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation once every year, but not doing so during Lent is not a mortal sin.