40 Days for Life

As we continue our Lenten journey, remember 40 Days for Life, whose vision is to seek an end to abortion through prayer, fasting and peaceful vigil.  Click here for more information.

Lent: Give Up, Take Up, Lift Up

From the USCCB:  "We can begin to embrace [the call of St. Francis this Lent] by fasting from or 'giving up' material things, including foods, that are superfluous to our basic needs; 'taking up' charitable habits that are directed to helping and caring for others; and 'lifting up' our brothers and sisters who are in need through giving alms, praying and participating in devotional practices."  Click here to access multiple Lenten resources from the USCCB.

The Hunger Site

As we continue to recall simple ways in which we can fight poverty, we are reminded of the Hunger Site.  If you haven't clicked on this site in some time, you might be surprised to find that you can also support other causes, including breast cancer, autism and literacy.  You can contribute daily with one simple click of your mouse.  So, if you haven't visited in a while, check out the Hunger Site.

"Friending Sisters"

As we wind down the inaugural National Catholic Sisters Week (NCSW), America has published an article by Christina Capecchi, "Friending Sisters."  Take a few minutes to read about the power of story in introducing Catholic young women to the possibility of religious life:  "How to go about that—the church’s million-dollar question—is not a matter of a slickly produced marketing campaign, insist the co-directors of NCSW, but of presenting a stripped down, heartfelt narrative. That is exactly what took center stage during the kickoff gathering of the initiative, when four sisters shared turning points in their path to consecrated life using the quirky storytelling style of The Moth Radio Hour, the national public radio show that won a Peabody Award in 2010. Perhaps the promotion of religious life is more 'Charlie Rose' than 'Mad Money'—fewer blinking billboards, slower cuts."  Click here to access the article.

Energy Poverty in Africa: How You Can Help

One.org is asking for your support for the Electrify Africa Act, a House bill that will bring electricity to 50 million people in Africa for the first time.  Click here for more information.

Lenten Caring for Creation Calendar

Suggested by the Catholic Climate Covenant website:  The Archdiocese of Washington Care for Creation Committee suggests the practice of spiritual reflection and sacrificial action during Lent which focus on fulfilling our commitment to be wise stewards of God's creation now and for future generations.  Check this Lenten Caring for Creation Calendar for suggestions for each day of Lent 2014. 

Don't Forget Fair Trade!

Did you know that Catholic Relief Services (CRS) sponsors three Fair Trade programs (crafts, coffee and chocolate)?  Click here to learn more about CRS Fair Trade.