Lenten Almsgiving
Praying, fasting, and almsgiving are the three pillars of our Lenten practice. These pillars help us refocus and remember the merciful love and compassion God shows to all people. All three pillars are closely connected and should be practiced in balance.
Almsgiving, especially during Lent, is more than purely giving money or time, it's about making sacrifices so that we may give more of ourselves. It is "a witness to fraternal charity" and "a work of justice pleasing to God." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2462). The practice of almsgiving strengthens our love for others, increases our detachment, and contributes to greater social justice.
While giving from our surplus is easy, almsgiving calls us to let go of our worldly attachments so we may grow closer in our relationship with God and with all people. Throughout Jesus' ministry, he cared especially for the impoverished and all others on the margins of society. He calls us to a high order of love, mercy, and material detachment so that we can serve the poor with a more generous heart.
Continue to expand the almsgiving within your Church of the Home. Check out these ideas to help:
Donate food to your local food pantries or serve a meal at homeless shelter.
Tutor a child or mentor a college graduate.
Do some grocery shopping or run an errand for an elderly neighbor
Don't know who to help? Contact Amani Outreach to be matched with someone who needs a little extra help or just a listening ear. Visit the Amani Webpage at https://whatsoeveryoudo.us/amani-outreach/
Each week, write a note of affirmation to someone special in your life.
Make a meal for an elderly neighbor or a new mother and leave it on their doorstep.
Show an act of kindness to someone who is difficult to get along with.
Support the work of the Church around the world by giving to organizations that serve at-risk and impoverished populations, such as CRS Rice Bowl.
CRS Rice Bowl 2024
Each Lent, Catholic families across the country unite to put their faith into action through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Through CRS Rice Bowl, families learn about how our sisters and brothers across the globe overcome hardships like hunger and climate change, and how through Lenten alms, we have the power to make the world a better place for all.
Don't forget to pick up a Rice Bowl at each church entrance. This simple cardboard box is a tool for collecting Lenten alms—and comes with a Lenten calendar that guides families through the 40 days of Lent with activities, reflections and stories.
Resurrection Steps of our Lenten Journey
Daily reflections by Roger Vanden Busch on the Scripture readings for Lent
We begin our daily Lenten journey with Jesus. Along the way, we go to an “out of the way” place to encounter His presence in Readings, Reality, and Prayer.
Daily Reflections :
Join us for Mass at 4:00 PM on Saturday, 8:30 or 10:30 AM on Sunday, or on www.gbres.org/live, our YouTube channel, and our Facebook page.
READINGS FOR THIS WEEKEND’S MASSES
VIRTUALLY SUNDAY REFLECTION
Over the generations, many mountain-top experiences have transformed lives, both famous and ordinary. God is reaching out in those moments to remind us that we are beloved and worthy of having transfigured lives. Just like Jesus's transfiguration, the brilliant mountain-top experiences carry us through the dark valleys of life. Join Tony as he reflects on this weekend's scriptures.
Auditio Divina
Drawing upon the steps of Lectio Divina, Auditio Divina brings this ancient prayer practice into today’s world. It breaks open the lyrics of modern songs to help individuals listen with heart.
Katie and Tony break open the song "Change" by Taylor Swift for the second Sunday of Lent.
Lyrics:
It was the night things changed Can you see it now?
These walls that they put up to hold us back fell down
It's a revolution, throw your hands up
'Cause we never gave in
And we'll sing hallelujah, we sang hallelujah
Hallelujah
This Weekend's Bulletin
(click to read)
Families
Parish Lyceum
The Parish Lyceum will feature a variety of topics, guidelines, and relevant information to nurture the PIESS of our lives – physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and social.
Loss in our Parish Family
Marriage Moments of Grace: Town Hall Dialogue
Fr. Tom and Tony discuss the Marriage Moments of Grace
with parishioners Jim and Barb Spitzer.
Announcements
Ruby & Res
Katie tried to get Ruby and Rusty to sit nicely on the couch for a photo op.
One was more cooperative than the other.
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