Lenten Resources & Media
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Lenten Resources & Media
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What is Lent?
Lent is the period of time that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Thursday (a.k.a.: Mass of the Lord's Supper). It is a time to delve
deeply into our need for a Redeemer and Savior. This is a time to prepare our hearts to fully recognize why Jesus died on the cross, was buried and rose again on the third day. It reminds us of our human frailty, because Lent is not easy! But that's the point. as Lent is supposed to remind us that we NEED God in our lives.
During Lent, we want to "die" to our selfishness so that we may truly be alive in Christ. There are ideas on this page for how you can keep Lent holy.
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"Remember, You Are Dust And to Dust You Shall Return..."
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Prayer
During Lent we NEED to spend time in prayer! There are so many different ways that you can spend time in prayer. You could pray the Rosary (or part of the Rosary) everyday, read the daily readings for Mass, go to Mass more often, find a good spiritual book to read and the list goes on. Need a place to start and don't know what else to do? Check out the 1% Challenge! It's simple and easy to do.
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Fasting
Fasting is probably the most well known Lenten activity and some would argue that we shouldn't focus on this aspect because it's 'negative.' However, God doesn't want us to rely on anything (food, phone, etc.) as a crutch. He wants us to be free and rely on Him. So, why not do some soul searching and try to find something that you really need to surrender to the Lord? You never know... you could be freer than you have ever been before! But... don't make your penance the penance of others... bear it cheerfully!
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Almsgiving
To really understand almsgiving, we need to understand the broader concept of stewardship. We can summarize this as an acknowledgement that EVERYTHING we have comes from God. Everything is a gift - even the air we breathe! So almsgiving is acknowledging we have been given so much by giving to those in need. And when we give to those in need, we are giving to Jesus. Think outside of the box. It could be as simple as writing a letter to someone every day.
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Lenten Opportunities 2024
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CRS Rice Bowl
Through CRS Rice Bowl, faith communities in dioceses throughout the United States put their faith into action through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Lenten alms donated through CRS Rice Bowl support the work of CRS in more than 100 different countries each year. Twenty-five percent of donations to CRS Rice Bowl stay in the local diocese, supporting hunger and poverty alleviation efforts. Since its inception in 1975, CRS Rice Bowl has raised more than $320 million.
What is a CRS Rice Bowl?
CRS Rice Bowl is a staple on the table of Catholic families across the country during Lent. This simple cardboard box is a tool for collecting Lenten alms—and comes with a Lenten calendar that guides families through the 40 days of Lent with activities, reflections and stories.
Join us this Lent as we encounter communities in Indonesia, El Salvador, and Uganda that are overcoming hunger and the impact of climate change with the prayers and support of people like you.
Watch their stories here and see how God is moving them to victory.Don't forget to pick up a Rice Bowl from the Gathering Space and return your donations during Holy Week!
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Walk the Labyrinth
According to an online source, "in Christian practice, the Labyrinth is designed to provide inner space for listening to God. It is to be a tool for prayer – in a sense, another posture for prayer. The motion of silent steps brings the heart and mind into a closer walk with God. Walking the Labyrinth allows the mind to relax and become aware." (https://www.stmichaelcanton.org/126)
More resources:
St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church
Lessons for Living
Labyrinth Video
See our parish labyrinth!
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CRS Rice Bowl Stories of Hope
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Formed
FREE FOR YOU!
Our parishes pay for a subscription to Formed so please check it out! HERE'S HOW:- Go to formed.org/signup.
- Ignore 'create a new account' and enter zip code 53189 in the box.
- St Paul with a Waukesha address will appear (our parishes share the account.)
- Click on that.
- You will be asked to enter your email address.
- Within the next couple of hours you should receive an email from Formed.org.
- Open it and you should be able to START WATCHING. (You might have to click 'sign in' on the top right but from there you should be able to 'start watching').
- Wild Goose, Metanoia, Brother Frances (for children)
- Browse / search for MANY more options on this parish paid subscription!
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