DIOCESAN NEWS
02/19/10
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Resources help navigate Lenten journey
    On Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17, Catholics began the 40-day season called Lent which precedes the celebration of Easter, Christ’s resurrection from the dead.
    Since the Second Vatican Council, the church has reemphasized the baptismal character of Lent with the restoration of the catechumenate, a period of learning and discernment for individuals who have declared their desire to become Catholics.
    In most Catholic parishes, groups of adults prepare to receive the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil through a process known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).
    The traditional Lenten practices of fasting, prayer and almsgiving are still observed, but are done so with the purpose of recalling our baptism and in solidarity with those preparing to be baptized and received into the church.
    The following are a variety of resources available to help you navigate through the 40 days.
    1. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) offers a variety of suggestions and resources to facilitate your Lenten practice and your journey with Christ.
    Go to: U.S. Conference Of Catholic Bishops
    2. Catholic Digest has put together nine meditative videos that began with Ash Wednesday and culminate with Easter Sunday. Each video is short enough to fit in any day — your lunch break, prayer time or any opportunity you have for personal reflection.
    These brief videos serve to provide you with thoughts, observations, and meditations to help you understand how Christ suffered for us and the redemption we ultimately attain through his resurrection.
    Go to: Catholic Digest
    3. ”The Little Black Book: Six-minute Meditations on the Passion of Mark” is available from Little Books of the Diocese of Saginaw Inc., P.O. Box 6009, Saginaw, MI 48608-6009, phone 989-797-6653.
    The Lenten book is based on the writings of Bishop Ken Untener and put together by Catherine Haven, editor, with the help of Sister Nancy Ayotte, IHM.
    4. For centuries, the Liturgy of the Hours and the Eucharist have guided Lenten reflection.  Inspired by these liturgies, Creighton University online ministries is offering a simple daily prayer for each day of Lent and the Easter Triduum. 
    There is a link to the readings of the day, a brief meditation, a link to the Daily Reflection for that day and Intercessions from the Liturgy of the Hours. Each daily prayer concludes with a spontaneous prayer. 
    Go to: Creighton Education or contact: Loyola Press at 1-800-621-1008 for a printed copy of “Praying Lent: Renewing Our Lives on the Lenten Journey.”
    5. The Sacred Space, a prayer website run by the Irish Jesuits, has been helping millions to pray for some years. Make a “Sacred Space” in your day, and spend 10 minutes praying as you sit at your computer, with the help of an on-screen guidance and Scripture chosen specially every day.
    Ave Maria Press makes “Sacred Space for Lent 2010” available in a pocket-sized booklet for the Lenten season.
    Go to: Sacred Space or contact Ave Maria Press, P.O. Box 428 Notre Dame, IN 46556, phone 1-800-282-1865, .

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