Dear Salesian Family,

During the holy season of Lent, prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, are powerful practices of penance. Through the years, these practices have been somewhat misunderstood and have become quite challenging. As a result, we tend to practice them poorly, if at all.

What we decide to fast from and pray for during Lent will require thought and serious reflection. We can approach this by selecting a specific time of day for prayer…we can fast from a particular food, drink, some type of media, a specific comfort, or habit…or we can intentionally undertake a practical action that we heard while attending Mass.

This afternoon we are sending home small foldable boxes given to us by Catholic Relief Services, an organization that provides assistance to people in need. CRS provides emergency assistance to those impacted by natural disasters, such as the people suffering from the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. Our students have always demonstrated an eagerness to save their money and help others with their little sacrifices by donating to their "rice bowls".

Lent allows us to take time to place all our sufferings in God's hands. We realize that these sufferings are caused by our lack of love, understanding, and trust. With faith and confidence, we entrust our families and all our cares to God in whose loving mercy we find our peace. May our Lenten journey with Jesus bring us to a joy-filled Easter celebration!

Lord, help me find practical ways that will help me bring your peace, love, and compassion, and help bring healing to the world around me.

God bless,

Sr. Carmen, FMA