Lenten Resources
In his 2009 Lenten message (see page 3), Pope Benedict XVI said the spiritual practice of fasting should lead to concrete action on behalf of the hungry. In addition, the pope said, detaching oneself from material goods helps believers open their hearts to God and open their hands to the poor.
Numerous resources are available to help Catholics, young and old alike, focus on the Lenten season.
— Operation Rice Bowl (ORB), Catholic Relief Services’ (CRS) annual Lenten program, starts Ash Wednesday (Feb. 25). Participants use symbolic rice bowls as the focal point for their prayer, fasting, and learning — and to help people in poverty around the world.
ORB participants prepare simple, meatless recipes each week, putting the money they would have spent on a big meal into symbolic rice bowls. That money goes to support CRS’ mission to fight global hunger and poverty. An ORB calendar provides daily reflections and learning opportunities — told through the eyes of people helped by the program.
For materials or information, contact your parish, or visit www.crs.org.
— 40 Days for Life is a focused pro-life campaign, Feb. 25 – April 5, uniting communities across the country in a three-prong effort to end abortion. The three key components include prayer and fasting, peaceful vigil, and community outreach. In Jackson, contact Brya Logan at 601-942-0340 or visit www.40daysforlife.com/jackson.
— EWTN Global Catholic Network will air numerous special programs during Lent, including a six week Lenten Parish Mission with Father William Casey, CPM, which begins March 1. For more details and scheduling visit www.ewtn.com
— Three online retreats
1. Father Ed Hays, spiritual guide and author of more than 30 books, will offer weekly Lenten reflections at NCRonline.org beginning Ash Wednesday (Feb. 25) and continuing through Easter Sunday (Apr. 12). Free weekly e-mail blasts will go to opt-in NCR subscribers who want first notice when the weekly column is posted.
2. Sister Joan Chittister is offering the “Cry of the Prophet Online Retreat” via Benetvision in partnership with Spirituality and Practice. During the six weeks of Lent participants will receive three emails per week with readings from “The Cry of the Prophet.” Cost is $29.95. Sign up at spirituality andpractice.com/prophet. Retreat includes weekly audio messages, online talks with other participants, a response online to one of your questions from Chittister.
3. Loyola Press and Creighton University’s Online Ministries have partnered to make Praying Lent resources available to individuals and groups. Find out more at online ministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/PrayingLent-Book.
