Each year on Ash Wednesday, millions of people—many who are not particularly active in the practice of their faith for one reason or another—return to church to receive ashes, including a significant amount of young adults in their 20s and 30s. Even more of them engage in some form of Lenten tradition in their personal lives during the forty days that follow. However, after Easter, studies show that their participation wanes and their connection to the church is often lost (at least until Christmas or the next Ash Wednesday).
This momentary experience, though, is an occasion of hope for the Church. As the world moves through uncertain times, this annual phenomenon seems to touch the heart and soul of so many people, as it has for centuries. For ages, the Lenten season has been a source of refuge and stability in the midst of anxiety and crisis.
More importantly, though, is the hope that comes from active Catholics and church leaders who respond to this experience in a spirit of compassion, pastoral care, and intentional accompaniment.
Through the lens of the Scripture readings heard every Ash Wednesday, this book will help readers understand what they can do in their annual preparation for Lent, as well as what they can do on Ash Wednesday, throughout the Lenten season, and beyond. The goal for the reader is to find practical ways to be responsive and engaging—in their homes, within their local communities, and at their local parish—and be a part of the movement to transform moments of return into milestones along the journey of faith.Â
About the author:Paul Edward Jarzembowski serves on the staff of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in Washington, DC, working within the USCCB Secretariat of Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth.
Insights and Resources for Welcoming Lenten Visitors
Paul E. Jarzembowski Foreword by Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano
Each year on Ash Wednesday, millions of people—many who are not particularly active in the practice of their faith for one reason or another—return to church to receive ashes, including a significant amount of young adults in their 20s and 30s. Even more of them engage in some form of Lenten tradition in their personal lives during the forty days that follow. However, after Easter, studies show that their participation wanes and their connection to the church is often lost (at least until Christmas or the next Ash Wednesday).
This momentary experience, though, is an occasion of hope for the Church. As the world moves through uncertain times, this annual phenomenon seems to touch the heart and soul of so many people, as it has for centuries. For ages, the Lenten season has been a source of refuge and stability in the midst of anxiety and crisis.
More importantly, though, is the hope that comes from active Catholics and church leaders who respond to this experience in a spirit of compassion, pastoral care, and intentional accompaniment.
Through the lens of the Scripture readings heard every Ash Wednesday, this book will help readers understand what they can do in their annual preparation for Lent, as well as what they can do on Ash Wednesday, throughout the Lenten season, and beyond. The goal for the reader is to find practical ways to be responsive and engaging—in their homes, within their local communities, and at their local parish—and be a part of the movement to transform moments of return into milestones along the journey of faith.
What Are We Hoping For? presents Fr. Leonard's contemporary perspective and insight in a series of refreshing stories and reflections that will assist the reader in understanding the seasons of Lent and Easter. The reflections are both thoughtful and challenging, making them an ideal resource for prayer. They will help readers reflect on the gospel stories and will provide an excellent aid to homilists seeking new ideas for these popular seasonal readings.
Highlights:
• Reflections on Lent and Easter by a bestselling author • Based on the gospel stories of the liturgical seasons • Stories are concise, accessible, fresh, and engaging, based upon experience • Ideal for parish group reflection and discussion
What Are We Hoping For? presents Fr. Leonard's contemporary perspective and insight in a series of refreshing stories and reflections that will assist the reader in understanding the seasons of Lent and Easter. The reflections are both thoughtful and challenging, making them an ideal resource for prayer. They will help readers reflect on the gospel stories and will provide an excellent aid to homilists seeking new ideas for these popular seasonal readings.
Highlights: • Reflections on Lent and Easter by a bestselling author • Based on the gospel stories of the liturgical seasons • Stories are concise, accessible, fresh, and engaging, based upon experience • Ideal for parish group reflection and discussion
Here is the retreat Fr. Mendonça preached before the papal household during Lent 2018.
The theme Mendonça explores is that of thirst, returning again and again to the story of Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at the well. The thirst is mutual: we go to the well to meet Jesus, and Jesus goes there to find us. This theme recurs throughout the scriptures, in both Old and New Testaments—to the very end of the Book of Revelation:
The Spirit and the bride say, "Come." And let everyone who hears say, "Come." And let everyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift.
There is also an element of restlessness in it, reminiscent of Augustine, "our hearts are restless until they rest in you."
Here is the retreat Fr. Mendonça preached before the papal household during Lent 2018.
The theme Mendonça explores is that of thirst, returning again and again to the story of Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at the well. The thirst is mutual: we go to the well to meet Jesus, and Jesus goes there to find us. This theme recurs throughout the scriptures, in both Old and New Testaments—to the very end of the Book of Revelation:
The Spirit and the bride say, "Come."
And let everyone who hears say, "Come."
And let everyone who is thirsty come.
Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift.
There is also an element of restlessness in it, reminiscent of Augustine, "our hearts are restless until they rest in you."
Edited by José Enrique Aguilar Chiu, Richard J. Clifford, SJ, Carol J. Dempsey, OP, Eileen M. Schuller, OSU, Thomas D. Stegman, SJ, Ronald D. Witherup, PSS
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