Global Solidarity in Our Lenten Journey

HUNGERING FOR OPPORTUNITY

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Rice Bowl program helps Catholics live out the Lenten pillars of prayer, fasting and almsgiving in solidarity with our poorest brothers and sisters. 75% of CRS Rice Bowl donations help the poor overseas, and 25% support local hunger projects in the diocese. During each week of Lent we will highlight a country of how this program is impacting others around the globe. This week we begin in Colombia, where coffee beans are changing lives! What actions can we take this Lent to change lives—at home and around the world?

For Lent, why not consider this meatless meal recipe from Columbia. The money you saved by not buying meat – an average of $3 per person per meal – can be put into your CRS Rice Bowl to feed our brothers and sisters in need around the world.

More information on the CRS Rice Bowl program can be found at crsricebowl.org

CALLED TO GLOBAL DISCIPLESHIP: A QUIZ

1. Fill in the blanks:

“For I was hungry and you gave me ______, I was thirsty and you gave me ______, a ______and you welcomed me, naked and you ______me, ______and you cared for me, in prison and you ______me.”

(Check out Matthew 25:35–36 if you need a little help!)

2. Which of the following are important parts of Catholic social teaching? (Circle all that apply!)

a. Caring for the poor b. Making a lot of money

c. Having a fancy car d. Protecting human life in all forms

3. Pope Francis just wrote an encyclical—a letter to the Church— called Laudato Si’, in which he asked all people to work hard to protect what?

a. Their own houses b. The environment—our common home

c. Our right to use the internet d. Religious buildings around the world

4. During what season of the Church year are we called to pray, fast and give?

a. Advent b. Christmas

c. Easter d. Lent

God of all creation,

We welcome you into our lives in a new way this Lent. We are ready to serve your people, especially our brothers and sisters who are most in need. We are ready to live out your call to mercy. Through our prayers, fasting and Lenten gifts, may we learn to walk as one global human family. May we learn to listen to each other, and in so doing hear the merciful words ofChrist.

Amen.

Answers:

  1. Matthew 25:35–36: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.”
  2. (a) The Preferential Option for the Poor is an important principle of Catholic social teaching. Jesus tells us to care for those who are most in need in the world. (d) The Sacredness and Dignity of the Human Person is the foundational principle of Catholic social teaching, reminding us that, being made in the image and likeness of God, we each have a special value and purpose.
  3. (b) Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’, was released in June 2015 and discussed our Christian responsibility to protect the environment—our common home!
  4. (d) Prayer, fasting and giving are the three spiritual pillars of Lent.

Brought to you by Ascension’s Global Solidarity Ministry. If you want to learn more about this ministry, contact Kevin Petersen at .