FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 22, 2021

ARLINGTON, Va. - On Wednesday, February 24, the first full week of the Lenten season, the Light is ON Confessions begin in the Diocese of Arlington. The initiative is a partnership with the Archdiocese of Washington to promote the Sacrament of Confession by offering it on an increased basis during Lent. Every Wednesday evening, February 24-March 24, all 70 parishes in the Diocese of Arlington are open for quiet prayer and Confession at 6:30 p.m. The Light is ON Confessions are in addition to parishes' regularly scheduled or by appointment Confessions.  

“For those who express their sorrow and desire to begin anew, there is no sin greater than God's mercy. During this sacred Season of Lent, I encourage all Catholics in the Diocese of Arlington, especially those who have fallen away from the practice of the faith, to experience the Lord's forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In doing so, your sins will be forgiven, and you will know the peace only the Lord can give,” said Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, Diocese of Arlington. “It is grace that will allow you to respond to the Lenten call: 'Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.'”

To find a parish or download Confession resources, such as an Examination of Conscience or the Act of Contrition, visit http://www.thelightison.org.

The Light is ON is Confessions have been taking place in the Diocese of Arlington for the past 13 years. This year, parishes continue to offer Confessions consistent with COVID-19 guidelines, which include wearing a face covering, unless a health condition precludes an individual from doing so, and maintaining safe social distancing. Additionally, during COVID-19, parish schedules are subject to change, so please visit a parish's website for additional information.

Listen to the Diocese of Arlington's Searching for More podcast episode “Understanding Lent and Experiencing God's Love and Mercy” here. For more information, visit the Catholic Diocese of Arlington's website.

Interested media, contact Amber Roseboom, Director of Media Relations, Catholic Diocese of Arlington, at 571-215-8731 or Amber.Roseboom@arlingtondiocese.org.

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The Catholic Diocese of Arlington was established on August 13, 1974, and is home to 70 parishes and more than 460,000 Catholics. There are currently 276 priests serving in the Diocese and 49 seminarians discerning a priestly vocation. The Diocese has 37 parish (K-8) schools, four diocesan high schools, four independent Catholic schools and five free-standing (not connected with a parish school) pre-schools, serving more than 17,000 students.

Geographically, the Diocese includes the seven cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Fredericksburg, Manassas, Manassas Park, and Winchester and the 21 counties of Arlington, Clarke, Culpeper, Fairfax, Fauquier, Frederick, King George, Lancaster, Loudoun, Madison, Northumberland, Orange, Page, Prince William, Rappahannock, Richmond, Shenandoah, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Warren and Westmoreland.