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Lights, Camera, Catholic: Church Takes To TV To Boost Confessions

MIAMI (CBS4) -The Catholic Church is trying something different to get people's attention.

The Archdiocese of Miami is launching a television campaign to encourage people to confess their sins.

"Confession is for Catholics the way to have the sins that they have committed after Baptism to be forgiven," said Archbishop Thomas Wenski to CBS4's Jorge Estevez at Saint Martha's Church in Miami.

The idea to shoot the 30 second spot came from Archbishop Thomas Wenski who wanted to remind Catholics of the meaning behind confession.

"The sacrament of penance is more about knowing we are loved, that our god is merciful, and that he forgives us," said Archbishop Wenski.

The Archdiocese of Miami hopes to remove any anxiety attached to the sacrament of confession.

"I don't want to hear [people say] that when I went to confession I got yelled at by a priest. Don't believe all the jokes all the comedians talk about. Confession truly is a conversation with God," said Mary Ross Agosta, Director of Communications for the Archdiocese of Miami.

The period between Ash Wednesday and Easter is considered a sacred time so a confession would be ideal because the sacrament of penance brings followers closer to God. Also getting their message out, literature advertising Reconciliation Weekend, which is April 15th -16th, and offering tips on how to go to confession.

Archbishop Wenski hopes to get his message across in the 30 second commercial which he addresses the viewers and joked with Estevez about sticking to his day job.

"At least when you are setting up on a teleprompter, you can always get a second take. You don't always get a second take on a Sunday morning," joked Archbishop Wenski.

During Reconciliation Weekend, 40 parishes will offer extended hours for confessions.

Click here for the list of parishes.

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