When I took my older son to confession before his First Communion, there was a huge line waiting and only Father Eddie to handle it :) He had to continue hearing confessions after the 5pm Saturday Mass. They have increased the number of days confession is heard from one to three. It’s a very heartening trend!
Was that only for the children or also for their parents?
I am in a very small parish ... only 40 families. Among the many hats I wear is that of Director for Religious Education. Let me tell you, it is a huge struggle to get the parents to set the example for their children to follow. I still recall one young boy who came for First Penance. His family sat in the pew and directed him towards the confessional. The poor child was traumatized and began to cry. I looked towards his father and told him to go in .. to set the example. He responded with the usual sarcastic comment - "If I go in, I'll be there forever". This was before I was appointed Director for Rel Ed and I wanted to smack him so hard. Needless to say, the child has never returned, nor has his father.
Do you also have perpetual adoration?
They say the hallmarks of a good church are the length of the Confessional lines and the number of vocations from your parish.
From your testimony, it would seem you are in a fantastic parish. Pray that we may all have priests like yours, perpetual adoration and tons of vocations to the priesthood and consecrated religious life.