Archbishop Marks Ash Wednesday With 'Unleash The Gospel'

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - Detroit's Roman Catholic archbishop is marking Ash Wednesday by kicking off an effort to energize Catholics to share the Gospel and grow the church.

Allen Vigneron plans to celebrate Mass at St. Aloysius Church in Detroit, distribute ashes and issue what he says is a rally cry called "Unleash the Gospel." It's scheduled to start at 12:15 p.m. The Detroit archdiocese says Vigneron will also speak about new local activities as part of the effort.

In a message to southeastern Michigan's 225 Catholic parishes, Vigneron says it's "our chance to do something great." There are 1.3 million Catholics in the archdiocese, which includes Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe, St. Clair and Lapeer counties.

Ash Wednesday, when Catholics receive ashes in the form a cross on their foreheads, ushers in the period of Lent leading to Easter.

The phrase "Unleash the Gospel" relates to a number of worship events, personal enrichment experiences and special Church celebrations throughout the year – and will lead to the historic Synod 2016, a formal Church gathering of Catholics in the area. The Synod will be hosted Nov. 18-20 at St. Aloysius Church and the nearby Westin Hotel.

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