St. Paul's to take part in Pope's 24-hour event this weekend

Pope Francis has called for Catholic leaders around the world to open their churches for 24 consecutive hours this coming weekend, with priests available to hear confessions.

For Father John Hollowell, who pastors both Annunciation Catholic Church in Brazil and St. Paul's in Greencastle, the initiative known as "24 Hours for the Lord" will be split between between the two parishes.

"The Pope was imagining multiple priests at each parish who could switch on and off," Hollowell said with a smile. "Having two parishes, I'm going to do 12 hours of confessions at Brazil and then on Monday do 12 more hours in Greencastle. So, when you add it all up, it will be 24 hours."

One need not be Catholic to stop in, he says, adding all are always welcome to come in and pray at St. Paul's as the Church is always open sun up to sun down. Father Hollowell added that he hopes "24 Hours for the Lord" helps clear up any confusion about the Catholic Church, while also letting everyone know they are welcome.

"Our culture seems to have a fascination with Catholicism but also a sense of confusion," Hollowell said. "I've even heard from a lot of people who think they're not welcome in a Catholic Church if they aren't Catholic."

Hollowell noted that while he's in the church hearing confessions throughout the day on Monday, he's happy to chat with anyone who would like to stop in to pray or just talk.

The church will be open from Sunday morning through Monday night, including the overnight hours of Sunday evening, with confessions throughout the day Monday.

St. Paul's is located at 202 E Washington St. in Greencastle. Call 653-5678 with any questions. More information can be found on the parish's website at www.stpaul-greencastle.com.