The Archdiocese of Miamiis using a TV ad to encourage the Catholic faithful to come to confession this weekend as part of the Lenten season.
This is the third year the archdiocese has used this method as part of what the church calls Reconciliation Weekend.
The ad features Archbishop Thomas Wenski, who says sharing the message on TV is a way to reach people where they are.
"We're making announcements at churches every weekend, but the TV is an opportunity to reach those that might not be at church," Wenski said.
The archdiocese has 1.3 million members in Broward, Miami Dade and Monroe counties. That's an increase of more than 250,000 parishioners since 2003.
Michelle Gonzalez Maldanado, an associate professor of religious studies at the University of Miami, said the Roman Catholic Church may be looking to emulate the success other churches have had with using TV to attract followers.
"We just have to turn on a television on Sunday and see how many pastors have mega churches where they have global audiences, so it's clear that television is a fantastic way to connect with the faithful," Maldanado said.
This weekend 36 parishesof the archdiocese will be offering extended hours for confessions.
