Cardiff: Archbishop encourages Sacrament of Reconciliation

The Archbishop of Cardiff, The Most Revd George Stack, has written of his care and concern for all those who are troubled and over burdened at this time, inviting them to seek comfort in prayer and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

In a Pastoral Letter, written to launch a new project to help people pray and bring their burdens to God, called 'The Light Is On For You', Archbishop George Stack, said:

"Every one of us carries burdens and has things that trouble us, and also things that we regret. As Lent begins, receive and know that in a special way 'The Light Is On For You' in many of our churches throughout the Diocese. What we are doing for the first time this Lent, is opening the doors of a number of our parishes between 7pm - 8pm on Wednesday evenings. The hope is that we can provide a space for people to speak to God heart-to-heart to seek his healing and help. Priests will be present to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation, also called Confession, which will enable Catholics to get off their chest anything that they'd like to be forgiven."

"It might be that you were baptised Catholic but for different reasons, no longer or rarely practice your faith. Come along. Everyone is very welcome and no one will judge you. We are all journeying to God's Light in our own way, at our own pace. It is a way of starting afresh, healed by the power of God's love and mercy."

Archbishop Stack added: "Confession is one of the gifts of love and healing that is offered by the Church. Through, it God's forgiveness and mercy are celebrated when we turn to him and present our brokenness, shortfalls and failings. No one is perfect and we all need the Sacrament of Reconciliation to strengthen and renew us. This Lent make this the gift you seek for yourself. The Light of Christ is waiting to heal and enliven your heart once again."

The initiative will start on 12 March until 9 April in participating Catholic parish churches in the Archdiocese of Cardiff. For more information and to find your nearest church

please see: www.rcadc.co.uk/the-light-is-on-for-you.html Also see: www.catholicnews.org.uk/confession