Lenten Challenges

Lent, is not only a time for prayer, fasting, and almsgiving but it is also a time to look at ourselves and honestly ask if we are following Jesus’ example to serve one another.  It is a time to reflect on what we do well and the things we need to work on.  Each week of Lent we will be presented with a “theme or challenge” and three suggested ideas of how to live out that theme during the week.  These are merely suggestions to help you discern a way to best incorporate Jesus’ message of being Eucharistic people willing to bend down in humble service as we are called to do by virtue of our baptism. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ has forgiven you. 
Ephesians 4:32

1. Pay attention to people who cross your path (make eye contact, share a smile, say “hello”)
2. Reach out to someone you have not been in touch with for a while
3. Refrain from engaging in sarcasm/judgement/gossip

  “Access to safe drinkable water is a basic and universal human right, since it is essential to human survival and, as such, is a condition for the exercise of other human rights.”     Pope Francis

1. Conserve personal water use (don’t let the water run while brushing your teeth, take a shorter shower)
2. Become aware of world water issues/needs: www.charitywater.org
3. Use a refillable water bottle instead of plastic disposable ones

If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.     Isaiah 50:10

1. Donate to our monthly collection of groceries for St. Mary’s
2. Have one simple meal or refrain from purchasing a “treat” (i.e. Starbucks, a deli) and give the money you saved to a cause for the hungry
3. Contribute to a world hunger organization:
   • www.worldvision.org
   • www.heifer.org
   • www.savethechildren.org

“And he would answer and say to them, ‘The man who has two tunics is to share with him who has none; and he who has food is to do likewise."     Luke 3:11

1. Drop off clothing to the Catholic Charities bin outside of the Ministry Center
2. Instead of buying something new for yourself, buy a new article of clothing or outfit and donate it to a local shelter
3. “Clothe” someone with love and compassion by reaching out to someone who is homebound or sending a note to someone who might be lonely

 

1. Practice courtesy on the road/behind the wheel
2. Apologize quickly
3. Mend a quarrel