Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, our two confessionals have not been used because they did not meet the COVID-19 protocols. In addition, those confessionals lacked the beauty and functionality that ought to be coequal with the dignity of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, for St. Thomas Aquinas wrote that “all things are arranged according to their degrees of beauty and excellence, and that the nearer they are to God, the more beautiful and better they are.” The new confessional will be one large room with a glass door and windows that will simultaneously allow transparency and privacy. The construction work has begun this past week. Our parish traditionally hears weekly confession on Saturday mornings which is often sought by parishioners and non-parishioners who desire the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The new space will add the greater dignity that penitents deserve as they acknowledge their human weakness and seek God’s mercy.