13 June 1996
The Pious Pastors
of the Holy Diocese of Denver
Beloved Concelebrants and Brothers in the Lord,
During the period the Great Fast, beginning on Clean Monday, the pious priests of the Diocese should schedule times for Holy Confession for the benefit of the people.
In order for this to be done, you are urged to schedule Saturday evening Vespers during this period, as well as Sunday Vespers on the five Sunday evenings of March. Also, times for confession should be scheduled after each of the Great Compline Services on all Mondays of the Fast.
The Mystery of Holy Confession has become a "forgotten sacrament" among our faithful, often because they do not know what it entails, or even what one does in confession. In addition to scheduling times for confession, you should consider offering clear and thorough instruction from the pulpit, in your periodic mailings, and in Bible study/inquiry classes regarding this important Mystery.
Through these additional services and schedules, the priest will also benefit himself by entering more easily into the spirit of the Lenten season. May this coming Great Lent bring many spiritual benefits to all the clergy and the laity of this holy Diocese.
With Paternal Blessings,
+ Bishop Isaiah of Denver