David Convertino, OFM, was a newly ordained priest when a woman came up to him before Mass and asked that in his homily, he give parishioners “something to hold on to that will carry us through the week.”
Her comment inspired “Lent in My Pocket,” a booklet containing one thought to reflect on daily throughout Lent and Holy Week. Available as an e-book,“Lent in My Pocket” was written to help make Lent “a joyful season” for readers. David, director of the HNP Development Office, announced the resource’s new format through a blog post that is emailed to subscribers.
This is just one of several resources offered by HNP ministries to help create a meaningful experience this season. The Province’s Office of Justice, Peace and Integrity for Creation has made available a Lenten toolkit to help make immigrant families a focus of prayer, sacrifice and action during Lent.
Justice for Immigrants, a campaign for comprehensive immigration reform started by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, is inviting Catholics to use these resources to “reflect on the biblical call for immigration reform and act to impact our current political reality.”
The toolkit includes a Lenten calendar with short reflections for personal use, and excerpts to include in bulletins, on websites and on social media sites. Also included in the daily toolkit are daily prayers that the bishops encourage Catholics to share with their representatives in Congress as politicians continue to consider comprehensive immigration reform.
Other friars are using social media sites to encourage reflection throughout Lent. George Corrigan, OFM, has been tweeting daily Gospel reflections since the beginning of March. “It has been fun, interesting and often challenging,” said the friar, who currently serves as pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tampa, Fla.
George and other friars have also been posting Gospel readings and reflections on their blogs.
— Maria Hayes is communications coordinator for Holy Name Province.