On the morning of Tuesday, April 15, a one-question survey was sent to pastors across the Archdiocese of New York asking:
“Did Reconciliation Monday bring more people to Confession in your parish?”
Respondents could answer Yes or No, and were invited to share additional comments, along with their name and parish, on a linked page. We received a total of 95 responses:
- 91 were positive
- 4 were negative (with two of those still affirming the value of the initiative in principle)
The responses reflect a wide range of experiences and offer valuable insights from every corner of the archdiocese—and beyond.
Selected Comments from Clergy
“We had 168 people going to confession with four priests over four hours… Some had been away 50 years. This is a good thing, and we should promote it.”
“The penitent lines were virtually non-stop throughout the day. It was very edifying.”
“A graced moment. Non-stop all hours.”
“It is long since I saw this number of people waiting in line for confession… A wonderful and enriching experience.”
“Confessions went beyond the scheduled hours because of how many people came!”
Ongoing Insights and Suggestions
Many priests noted increased participation from neighboring dioceses and out-of-state visitors, observing that some parishioners may feel more comfortable going to confession outside their home parish—or that the Reconciliation Monday initiative was not made available in their own.
Others encouraged staggered times between neighboring parishes and stronger collaborative promotion. Several noted the benefit of offering confession opportunities to those who have been away from the Sacrament for many years.
Help Us Plan for the Future
If you have suggestions for future Reconciliation Monday events, we’d love to hear from you.
Please be specific, and feel free to include any recommended changes to timing, promotional needs, or parish collaboration strategies.