Seen on the streets of Baltimore the other day (don’t worry, traffic was stopped when I snapped this picture).
If you can’t read the text, it says, “The Light is ON for You. Catholic Churches around the Archdiocese of Baltimore will be open for confessions each Wednesday during Lent (www.ArchBalt.org).”
This outreach program has been running for a couple of years now, at least in the greater DC/Baltimore area, and it always makes me happy to see it. The Church isn’t necessarily the most media-savvy institution, to say the least, but I feel like this is one fantastic exception.
Orthodox. Faithful. Free.
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It strikes just the right note, for one — that the Church is always ready and waiting to welcome anyone home. But rather than simply trying to pack the pews with the regular Christmas/Easter crowds, it invites Catholics back to church in the fullest sense of the word. And if past results are any indicator, there’s a real hunger for that kind of reconciliation.
Plus, strictly on a scheduling note, it’s nice that at least once a year you know exactly when and where confessions will be (none of this “every third Saturday from 2:57 to 3:12” business).
Does your diocese run this program during Lent, or one like it? Anyone spotted these ads in your area, or taken advantage of the extended hours?
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