Reflection for First Sunday of Lent

Pax Christi USA has shared a reflection for the first Sunday of Lent (available here), written by Mitch Finley. 

Remember that we suggested other Lenten resources to you on Ash Wednesday.  One of those was the "Busted Halo" Lenten calendar.  Today's "MicroChallenges" from that resource are:

• FAST from distractions like Facebook, Pinterest browsing, BuzzFeed lists today.
• PRAY by writing out some personal goals for yourself that you want to accomplish this Lent.
• GIVE encouragement to someone who needs assistance accomplishing one of their goals.

Additionally, a faithful blog reader suggested this site: Best Lent Ever, featuring Matthew Kelly. Do you have more to add to the list?  Let us know. 

Lenten Resources

On this Ash Wednesday, please be aware of several Lenten resources:

• National Catholic Register (click here) has its "2015 Ultimate Lenten Resource Guide"
• Busted Halo (click here) has its "Fast Pray Give Calendar"
• The USCCB (click here) has a variety of Lenten resources
• The Ignatian Spirituality website (click here) offers Lenten meditations, "Growing in Friendship with God," by William A. Barry, SJ.

These are a few of the available resources.  If you know of other good resources, comment on this blog post and we'll post them for others.

February Stop Trafficking

Click here to access the February 2015 issue of the Stop Trafficking newsletter, highlighting the complexities of modern-day slavery and cautioning us to avoid oversimplifying solutions.

"Wisdom of the Heart" for World Day of the Sick

February 11, 2015 marks the twenty-third commemoration of World Day of the Sick.  This year's theme is, "I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame" (Job 29:15).  The message of Pope Francis for today asks us to consider the theme from the perspective of "the wisdom of the heart."  According to Pope Francis, "the wisdom of the heart" means serving our brothers and sisters, being with our brothers and sisters, going forth from ourselves toward our brothers and sisters and showing solidarity with our brothers and sisters without judging them.  Please click here to read the letter in its entirety.

As Sisters of Christian Charity, we thank and support all of our Sisters and Companions who minister in health care.  As we continue to pray for them and those they serve, we remember those pioneer Sisters who cared for the sick in the past and built health care institutions to bring the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to them. 

What Should I Do For Lent?

With a little over a week until Lent, the Fellowship of Catholic University Students' site shared the Holy Father's list of 10 tips for Lent.  Click here to access it.

Reminder: February 8

Remember that tomorrow, February 8, is the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking.  As we told you last week, resources -- such as prayer intentions and prayer cards -- are available here, on the USCCB site.  Remember, too, that we observe February 8 because it is the feast of Saint Josephine Bakhita. Be sure to visit the site of the Bakhita Initiative -- here -- to get more information about her and about the efforts of women religious to combat human trafficking.

February 11: World Day of the Sick

Resources for the World Day of the Sick, celebrated on February 11,  can be found on the website of the Catholic Health Association of the United States.  Click here to access prayers for this occasion.  We are grateful to the Sisters of Christian Charity who participate in the healing ministry of Jesus through their healthcare ministries.  God bless you!

February 8: International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking

From the USCCB:
The Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and the International Union of Superiors General have designated February 8 (Feast of St. Josephine Bakhita) as an annual day of prayer and awareness against human trafficking.  On this day, Catholics all over the world are encouraged to host or attend prayer services to create greater awareness about human trafficking.

Click here to visit the USCCB site containing resources for February 8.