Ash Wednesday marks the first day of Lent. The Church call us to three "works of Lent", specifically fasting, prayer, and alms-giving. On Ash Wednesday, Christians are called to confront the dark sinful nature of humanity. During Mass, the faithful come forward to receive a cross of ashes on their foreheads. As the minister marks each forehead with ashes he states, "Remember, man, you are dust, and to dust you will return." Alternatively he says, "Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel." Yet these reflections on the fallen nature of Man are not meant to engender despair. Rather there is hope for the Mercy of God and the Salvation found in Jesus Christ.
The Archdiocese of Washington and the Diocese of Arlington have partnered this Lent in an effort to bring more Catholics to God's healing power and mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, also known as Confession. Every Wednesday in Lent, every parish in the Archdiocese of Washington and in the Diocese of Arlington will offer Confession from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This is in addition to other regularly scheduled times for the Sacrament. This push is called "The Light is On for You!"
The two diocese have established a web site to aid those who may have been away from this sacrament for a while. The web site offers answers to frequently asked questions about Confession. There is a guide to Confession that explains how make an examination of conscience to prepare for confession, outlines the rite of Confession itself, and then explains how to do penance. These materials are available in both English and Spanish.
Bishop Loverde has challenged the faithful of the Diocese of Arlington to use this increased availability of the Sacrament of Reconciliation for personal spiritual growth as well as a tool for evangelization:
Just as the Apostles spread the news of the abundant forgiveness of the Lord in their time, so I ask that this Lent you commit to inviting one person a week back to the Church. Perhaps a friend or relative has been struggling with their relationship with God or is uncertain about the Church. Take this opportunity to invite them to prayer and the Sacrament of Confession. Please remember: every Catholic Church in the Diocese of Arlington and the Archdiocese of Washington will be open on Wednesday evenings during Lent from 6:30 to 8 for prayer and Confession.
Similar efforts in other diocese including the Diocese of Phoenix and the Archdiocese of New York have yielded the return of thousands of lapsed Catholics to the active practice of the Faith. Bishop Loverde and Archbishop Wuerl are hoping for comparable results in the D.C. metro area and Northern Virginia.
For more info:
The Light is On for You! web site
Bishop Loverde Ash Wednesday letter
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