SPRINGFIELD – As the world’s Catholics prepare for Lent’s 40 days of spiritual repentance, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield is issuing its own message of apology and renewal – to current and lapsed Catholics, to parishioners wounded by church closures, to victims of sexual abuse by priests and to LGBT Catholics alienated by the Church’s stance on gay rights.

In his pastoral letter issued on Ash Wednesday, the Most Rev. Mitchell T. Rozanski wrote that the church, inspired by the approachable tenor of Pope Francis’ papacy, is rededicating itself to evangelism – including the welcoming-back of Catholics who no longer feel represented by the Church.

Source: Springfield Bishop Rozanski asks for forgiveness, calls for those alienated by Catholic Church to return in pastoral letter | masslive.com