As Easter approaches, many Catholics in Białystok are preparing for one of the most significant traditions of the Christian calendar: confession. This sacrament, which is not merely a formality but a profound act of spiritual renewal, is especially emphasized during Holy Week. With Easter Sunday falling on April 20, 2025, the demand for confession is expected to surge, prompting local parishes to extend their hours to accommodate the influx of worshippers seeking to cleanse their souls before the celebration of Christ's resurrection.
According to local church guidelines, every Catholic is encouraged to partake in the sacrament of reconciliation at least once a year, and Easter is considered a prime opportunity for this. In Białystok, various parishes have set specific times for confession during the days leading up to Easter, particularly on Good Friday and Holy Saturday. Here’s a look at the confession schedules across several parishes:
At the Parafia pw. Wniebowzięcia NMP, located at ul. Kościelna 2, confessions will be available on Good Friday from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM and on Holy Saturday during the same hours. Additionally, from Monday to Wednesday of Holy Week, the church will offer confessions from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Meanwhile, the Parafia pw. Świętego Rocha (ul. ks. Abramowicza A 1) will hold confessions on Good Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, with additional times after the Passion Service. On Holy Saturday, confessions will be available from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
The Parafia pw. Zmartwychwstania Pańskiego (ul. Ks. Abp. R. Jałbrzykowskiego 5) will have confessions on Holy Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and from Monday to Thursday of Holy Week, the hours will be from 5:30 PM onwards.
At the Parafia pw. Ducha Świętego (ul. Sybiraków 2), confessions will be offered on Good Friday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and on Holy Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Parafia pw. Miłosierdzia Bożego (pl. bł. ks. Michała Sopoćki) will provide confessions on Good Friday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and from 9:00 PM to midnight, while on Holy Saturday, the hours will be from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Other parishes, such as the Parafia pw. NMP Matki Kościoła (ul. Pogodna 63), will offer confession on both Good Friday and Holy Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Parafia pw. NMP Królowej Rodzin (ul. NMP Królowej Rodzin 6) will only have confession available from Monday to Wednesday at 5:30 PM. Meanwhile, the Parafia pw. św. Jadwigi Królowej (ul. Słonecznikowa 8) will have confessions on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 15 and 16, from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM.
For those at the Parafia pw. św. Kazimierza Królewicza (ul. św. Kazimierza 2), confessions will be available on Good Friday from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM and on Holy Saturday during the same hours. The Parafia pw. św. Maksymiliana Marii Kolbego (ul. Św. Maksymiliana 8) will have confessions on Holy Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, while the Parafia pw. św. Wojciecha B.M. (ul. Warszawska 46a) will offer confession on Good Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:50 PM and on Holy Saturday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
But what truly constitutes a good confession? It’s more than just listing sins; it's a transformative process that involves five essential steps. First, a thorough examination of conscience helps individuals reflect on their actions and identify where they may have strayed from their values. Next is the sorrow for sins, which is not merely an emotional response but a heartfelt decision to change. Following this is the strong resolution to improve, which signifies a commitment to better oneself, despite knowing one’s imperfections.
The fourth step is the sincere confession itself, where the individual verbally acknowledges their sins, thus breaking the hold of secrecy. Finally, making amends involves repairing any damage caused and taking on penance to heal the heart. This structured approach to confession is designed to foster genuine repentance and spiritual growth.
As Białystok prepares for this sacred time, the influx of parishioners seeking confession is a testament to the community's dedication to their faith. Many view this as an opportunity not only for personal reflection but also as a collective moment of renewal as they anticipate the joy of Easter Sunday. The churches are bracing for a busy period, with priests ready to welcome all who seek reconciliation.
In addition to confession, many will also be participating in the tradition of blessing Easter food, a custom that varies across regions but holds special significance. In Wrocław, for example, various parishes will hold food blessings on Holy Saturday, including at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and the Parish of St. Elizabeth. These events are a way for families to prepare for their Easter meals, incorporating symbolic foods such as bread, eggs, and meats.
As families in Białystok and beyond prepare their baskets for food blessing, the atmosphere is filled with anticipation and hope. The Easter season is not only about the rituals but also about coming together as a community to celebrate life, renewal, and the promise of new beginnings. With the preparations underway, it’s clear that this Easter will be a time of reflection, joy, and spiritual rejuvenation for many.
