March 4, 2014 // Local

‘The Light Is On For You’ set March 12

Todays Catholic

Confessions in all parishes of the diocese 6-8 p.m.

Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades has designated Wednesday, March 12, from 6-8 p.m., “as the date and time for all the churches of our diocese to be open for prayer and am asking all our priests to hear individual confessions during that two-hour time period,” as he wrote in a letter to priests.

The initiative is called “The Light Is On for You” and will offer Catholics of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend the availability of the sacrament of Reconciliation.

Confession provides an opportunity to set aside sinful ways and to draw closer to the Lord.

“The Light Is On For You” is endorsed by the U.S. bishops and is an invitation to all Catholics of the diocese to stop in church for prayer and provides the opportunity for Confession.

“The Light Is On For You” is for Catholics who frequent Confession, but is also an opportunity for Catholics who may be reluctant to come to the sacrament, have been away for some time, or just find it difficult to get to a Saturday afternoon Confession time.

For those who have been away from the sacrament for some time, churches will have Reconciliation brochures available for helpful “how-to” guidance.

The faithful are encouraged to invite their family and friends who have been away from the sacrament to take part.

“Imagine the sense of welcome and hope they would experience if they walked into a church filled with people praying and meditating in silence in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament,” one bulletin promotion announcement said.