Religious Education and Social Justice
Season of Lent
As we begin the season of Lent, may we find new encouragement to open our hearts to respond to God’s grace and to lead others to do the same.
During Lent we take up practices that help us to become aware of and responsive to the needs of others. The three traditional practices of Lent are prayer, fasting and almsgiving. A commitment to these practices during Lent leads to an awareness of God and conversion of the heart.
Prayer
Prayer can help us to become more responsive to those who suffer. Find ways to pray often during Lent, focusing on the needs of those who are the victims of injustice.
Fasting
Fasting can help us recognize our bad habits and overcome them. It can help us live with an awareness of our dependence on God’s love.
Almsgiving
We can become more like Jesus during Lent by being generous. With your family select a charitable organization and collect donation money.
We encourage families to take practical steps toward practicing the traditional Lenten pillars of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
Please see the attachment below which contains Lenten Action Cards. Cut out the cards, fold them in half and place them in a jar or small box. Place the jar or other container in a central location in the home, perhaps on the dining room table or the counter next to the fridge. Invite each family member to draw out a paper and focus on its Lenten living suggestion that day or week. Make this a regular activity during Lent.
All the actions are simple steps to experiencing a meaningful Lent.
Prayer for Lent
God our Father, we know that you hear the cries
of all those who suffer.
During this season of Lent hear us as we pray
for those who suffer unjustly
so that their plight might be relieved.
We pray also for their oppressors
that they will have a change of heart
and see the error of their ways.
May they use their power for the good of all.
We pray for ourselves
that we might have the compassion
and the courage to do whatever we can
to alleviate the suffering
and to address the causes of that suffering.
We ask you this through Christ, our brother.
Amen.
Parish Renewal Program (Week 3)
Jane Wilkinson
Religious Education Leader