Lent 2010...Living With Promise!!!

Daily Meditation:  This week I will make plans to discard possessions that are not useful and beautiful.  Too many possessions weigh us down and prevent us from noticing God’s presence, from attending to God’s voice presenting us with possibilities.  It is difficult to change direction and follow a new path if we are burdened with more than we need. Seasoned travelers travel light. A cluttered home creates a cluttered mind and heart.  It’s time to begin spring cleaning!

FEED OUR SHUT-INS WITH LOVE:   Around the churches, you will find the listing of our parishioners in Nursing Homes, Personal Care Homes, Assisted Living Facilities and the Home Centered Elderly.  Send them a card, a letter, etc.  Let them know they are special and that we care about them.  This is a great family or classroom reachout.  You may know a lot, a few or none.  What matters is that you try to make a difference in someone else’s life.  Lent is not a season for personal edification, but a season for true, lived Christian spirit.

FEED THE HUNGRY:  Help feed the hungry.  There is a need for food all year long.  Help fill the barrels with dry goods, canned goods, or food items.  Bring them when you come to Mass or make a monetary donation or gift card.  Sometimes a gift card can be more practical for those who may have trouble carrying the items to church as well as giving those receiving the dignity and ability to shop for themselves.  Last weeks food donations went to 2 families in our parish without food. Drop it in the collection.  Mark the envelope, “Feed the Hungry.”  Food donations will be given to the “Intersection.”

FEED YOURSELF (Spiritually):   We have provided “A Colored Spiritual Enrichment Card,” with a thought and spiritual activity for each week of Lent.  Each week there will be a different colored card with a different motivational thought/prayer.  Pick one up at Mass and carry it with you all week long.  The “Christ In My Pocket” reminders are also available in the churches.

Reachout to the Needy:  Anytime during the Season of Lent, you may make a donation towards helping a needy family during the Lenten and Easter Season.  Drop it in the collection or mail to the rectory.  Mark it “Reachout."