In addition to old-fashioned fasting from food, private prayer, stations of the cross and giving alms, many organizations are offering high-tech help for those who wish to observe Lent, but might need a boost. Here are just a few resources on offer.
– Bishop Robert Baron: The founder of Word on Fire Ministries and prolific digital evangelist writes a daily reflection for Lent based on the gospel reading for the day. His reflections include video and musical components. Sign up at www.wordonfire.org.
– Busted Halo: Busted Halo is a ministry of The Paulist Fathers, a religious order of Roman Catholic priests who believe strongly in using the most modern methods of communication to bring to life the ancient message of the Gospel. The Busted Halo website offers Lenten-themed Daily Jolts and MicroChallenges to find new ways to practice the disciplines of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. Each day of Lent, we’ll offer an inspirational quote paired with a practical, challenging task that you can do that day to help keep your spiritual life on point. Go to www.bustedhalo.com or search for them on Twitter and Facebook.
– CRS Rice Bowl: Even the Catholic Relief Service Rice Bowl has a robust digital component. This year, CRS Rice Bowl provides a path for Catholics in the United States to build, what Pope Francis calls “a culture of encounter” by offering a daily Lenten calendar, sharing weekly stories of hope, and making meatless meals, participants will follow a personal journey that leads to us seeing ourselves in the faces of our neighbors, cultivating a spirit of global solidarity and encountering God’s love anew. Remember that a portion of the proceeds from Rice Bowl stay in this diocese. Sign up for emails at www.crsricebowl.org or download the app on Android or in the Apple AppStore.
– Dynamic Catholic: The ministry founded by evangelist Matthew Kelly offers a free daily video-based email called “Best Lent Ever,” offering tips on how to embrace the season and have what Kelly calls a memorable Lent. Sign up at www.dynamiccatholic.com.
– U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops: Readers can find a variety of resources on the USCCB website incluing reflections on fasting, a Lectio Divina specific to Lent, daily reflections and a guide to going to Reconciliation. Links and information are online: http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-year/lent/index.cfm.
– I phone fast: Taking the opposite tack, the Archdiocese of Hartford, Conn., is asking the faithful to fast from their phones and tablets on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Maria Zone, Communications Director for the archdiocese explained in a letter that “the thinking is that silencing our busy phones on these two holy days will give God a chance to call our hearts.” Find a graphic readers can share on social media pages on facebook by searching for I phone fast.