Too busy to offer confession?

In the 2002 edition of the Missale Romanum for Good Friday it says: "On this and the following day, the Church, from a most ancient tradition, does not at all celebrate the sacraments, except for Penance and Anointing of the Sick.

I have often noticed for some reason that the Churches around here do not offer confession during the Triduum so I called several local Churches to find out why. When I asked the woman who answered the phone at St. Nick's in Wilkes-Barre why there was no confession Saturday at their regular time she said "It's Holy Week. They had a penance service Monday."

The woman who answered the phone over at Saint Mary Church of the Maternity tried to put the blame on me as to why I did not attend confession. There were ample opportunities to do so I was told. When I pressed her as to why the Church canceled it's regularly scheduled confessions during the Triduum she said "It's the rule. It's the rule of the Church." I asked her "What rule? Where is it written down?". She became quiet. "I don't know." she replied.

Finally, the woman who answered the phone over at St Mary's on Washington St in Wilkes-Barre told me when asked why there was no confession on Saturday that the priests "...are busy doing other things."

Really?

Too busy?

Too busy to see to the needs of their flock? To busy to see to the salvation of souls?

Really?

You priests in this Diocese should be ashamed.

Not all priests though it would seem.

In stark contrast to these other Churches, I contacted Saint Joseph's Church in Nanticoke. It would seem Father Langan is offering confession several times over the Easter Triduum. He has read the Missale Romanum and obviously understands what it says. He understands his mission as a priest. Good for him. I hope the Bishop does not take him too far away when they close Saint Joseph's.