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Lent

I am working on my parish Lenten newsletter. What are some topics or questions/answers that you think would be helpful to include? I am also interested in books, websites, etc to give as resources as well. Thanks for helping. Deanna

Tags: Lent

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Permalink Reply by Patricia on February 1, 2010 at 10:56am

This may not be exactly what you are looking for, but it is a very interesting synopsis on how Eastern (Byzantine) Catholics celebrate the Traditions of Great Lent (the Great Fast) & Holy Week:

http://www.melkite.org/lent.htm

Also, here is the Prayer of St. Ephrem the Syrian, which is prayed often throughout the season the the Great Fast (Lent):

http://www.ewtn.net/library/PRAYER/STEPHREM.TXT

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Permalink Reply by Erika Marie on February 1, 2010 at 4:13pm

I also have Lent on the mind. From my non-catholic friends I often get asked things like: Why is fish not meat? And what is the purpose of giving things up? There is also usually a big discussion even amongst Catholics as to whether we are held to our Lenten resolutions on the Sundays of Lent.
May you can share what you write up?!

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Permalink Reply by Patricia on February 2, 2010 at 3:59pm

Regarding giving things up -- this is from the Way of the Ascetics:
"If we move out of our self, whom do we encounter? We meet God and our neighbour. It is for this very reason that denying oneself is a stipulation, and the chief one, for the person who seeks salvation in Christ: only so can the centre of our being be moved from self to Christ, who is both God and our neighbour."

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Permalink Reply by Erika Marie on February 3, 2010 at 12:37am

wow
thanks for sharing!

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Permalink Reply by Deanna Bartalini on February 1, 2010 at 8:39pm

Thanks for the input. I will post when I am done. peace, deanna

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Permalink Reply by Jenni on February 2, 2010 at 4:45pm

Deanna:
Hello! I cannot believe that Lent is just around the corner! Anyway, I have found supplemental literature (i.e. the Magnificat companion) to be very helpful during times like this. These books have daily reflections suggested penances and readings, which can help keep someone focused on the "reason for the season", no matter what that season may be! :-) Hope that helps!

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Permalink Reply by Erika Marie on February 3, 2010 at 12:38am

Jenni, I've been going back and forth about ordering that companion. Do you use it along with the regular monthlyMagnificat?

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Permalink Reply by Jenni on February 3, 2010 at 10:30am

Erika:
I do not regularly use Magnificat, but have been given the Lenten and Advent Companions for the past couple of years. And I LOVE them! The daily reflections are comparable to our lives today, and it's just a great reminder. This type of book works well for me. My sister, the one who usually gives me the companions, uses Magnificat regularly and she really likes everything they put out.

Do you have any children old enough for the Magnifikid books? I was curious b/c I will probably start doing that once my oldest daughter is ready for them. :-)

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Permalink Reply by Erika Marie on February 3, 2010 at 3:19pm

Jenni, I do have a six year old I could try them with. I think I did get some once a couple years back and remember thinking it was just too much for both of us then. I also taught in our parish sunday school program and she was in my class so we adding that in didn't seem necessary. How old is your daughter?

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Permalink Reply by Jenni on February 18, 2010 at 10:48am

My oldest is 2, youngest is 6 mos. Sorry I'm just now replying to this! Any suggestions you have are welcome!

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Permalink Reply by Lucy Sheahan on February 17, 2010 at 12:21pm

Hi Ladies,
I have two little ideas for you----one I've plastered all over the place so you probably already know about the 40 days for Life campaign. It's so easy and so fruitful.

Also, you'll find the most interesting little article on Lenten practices which was so well explained by a Baptist Church of all places!!! Visit my blog: www.mysticalrosedesign.blogspot.com

In Christ,
Lucy