2025 Lenten Season
Living in Right Relationship
Lent is a time the Church enters into a collective retreat, offering the opportunity to set aside time for reflection, repentance and renewal in our lives. It is a time to listen for the voice of our creator God from both within ourselves and within our faith communities, becoming attuned to the sacred and interconnectedness with all of creation.
Throughout his Encyclical Letter, Laudato Si’, Pope Francis brings to light the struggles of our relationship with our Earth and with one another. He is calling us to change our ways so the generations that come after us may experience a more peaceful and just world. He is asking, “What kind of world do we want to leave to those who come after us?” (LS 160)
Our Congregation is living this call … to live in right relationship with one another and our Earth. We are letting go of what is not needed and looking at how we may bring forth a healthier world. We are partnering with others to care for creation as we know we cannot do this alone.
Nothing in nature lives for itself. The rivers do not drink their own water; the trees do not eat their own fruit; the sun does not shine on itself, and flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves. Living for others is a rule of nature. We are all born to help each other. No matter how difficult it is … Life is good when you are happy; but much better when others are happy because of you. ~ Pope Francis ~
This year, we are pledging to make a commitment to future generations by planting trees. We welcome you to join us in caring for creation … not only in the sacredness of life and rights of all people, but also our Earth. Together, may we listen and respond to where there are unmet needs in our communities.
We remember each of you in daily prayer and encourage you to send us your prayer intentions. Uniting together, let us listen to ourselves and one another, praying for justice, peace and hope throughout our world as we walk with Jesus through his life, death and resurrection.
6th Sunday of Lent, April 13
In and through Jesus Christ we discover what it means to be in right relationship with God, our sisters and brothers, and all of creation.
Nothing in nature lives for itself. The rivers do not drink their own water; the trees do not eat their own fruit; the sun does not shine on itself, and flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves. Living for others is a rule of nature. We are all born to help each other. No matter how difficult it is … Life is good when you are happy; but much better when others are happy because of you.
Pope Francis
May our struggles and our concern for this planet never take away the joy of our hope. LS 244
How am I dispelling darkness in the world and witnessing the light of the Gospel?
5th Sunday of Lent, April 6
All of us can cooperate as instruments of God for the care of creation, each according to his or her own culture, experience, involvements and talents. (LS 14)
This week let us pause and listen for the voice of our creator God from both within ourselves and within our faith communities, becoming attuned to the sacred and interconnectedness with all of creation. May we continue to share our gifts with others through acts of service and compassion, promoting the common good for our Earth and our sisters and brothers in need.
4th Sunday of Lent, March 30
Jesus lived in full harmony with creation. LS 98
This week let us pause and reflect on all that God has provided us. God has made everything in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from the beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11
We invite you to take a walk in nature, asking God to let us see this beautiful day as God sees it. Breathe in the air, knowing it is shared by all, and give thanks.
May God continue to show us the path that we may walk together today and every day.
3rd Sunday of Lent, March 23
“We need to strengthen the conviction that we are one single human family.” Pope Francis
This week, may we become aware of how each person reflects something of God. May we come together at the table, put our differences aside and listen without judgement, notice how we are more alike than different and be aware of how we show up as we serve one another, as the hands and feet of Christ. Together, let us pray for peace throughout the world.
“Let each of you look not only to their own interests,
but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4
2nd Sunday of Lent, March 16
Love each other as I have loved you. John 15:12
This week may we reflect on the care of our relationship with others. Jesus welcomed and accepted those he encountered. Acceptance is the foundation for change. May our hearts be open to make the changes God is calling us to make so we may share God’s love with those in need.
May our eyes be open to see as Jesus sees, to forgive as Jesus forgives and to love as Jesus loves, treating all with respect and dignity.
1st Sunday of Lent, March 9
Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10
This week, let us invite and embrace the stillness of God. We are each created in God’s image and likeness. May we find strength to become the best of who we can be and grow in holiness.
How am I living so others are brought to greater wholeness?
Ash Wednesday, March 5
During this Lenten season, may we become more attentive to the type of life we are living, focusing our lives on the care of our relationship with God, with others and with Earth, our common home.
We live in a world that is hurt and wounded; people are struggling, our Earth is struggling. During this blessed season, may we pray for those in need and be open and truly listen with a compassionate heart, just as Jesus listens to each of us.