A Lenten Resource for Family and Home
Welcome to the journey
“The Christian life involves the practice of the traditional seven corporal and seven spiritual works of mercy. We usually think of the works of mercy individually and in relation to a specific initiative: hospitals for the sick, soup kitchens for the hungry, shelters for the homeless, schools for those to be educated, the confessional and spiritual direction for those needing counsel and forgiveness… But if we look at the works of mercy as a whole, we see that the object of mercy is human life itself and everything it embraces.”
– Pope Francis, Message for the celebration of the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, 1 September 2016
On Ash Wednesday and each Sunday of Lent, we will share a reflection on the seven Corporal Works of Mercy:
- Feed the Hungry
- Give Water to the Thirsty
- Clothe the Needy
- Shelter the Homeless
- Visit the Sick
- Visit the Imprisoned
- Bury the Dead
The information is from a new resource prepared by the Atlantic Liturgical Commission, and includes submission from diocesan staff and clergy throughout the Atlantic Provinces.
(Click on the image to download)
The journey will also feature videos from the youth of our diocese, with their message on how to live each of the Corporal Works of Mercy.
The resource, available here for download, provides Scripture readings, hymns and readings to celebrate a prayer service at home:
For each Sunday the Order of Service is as follows:
– Begin with a short time of quiet
– Light the Candle in your Prayer Space
– Scripture: Matthew 25: 31-40
– Short period of silent reflection
– Reflection — provided for each week to be read or watched
– Short Period of Silent Reflection
– Intercession Prayers
– Our Father
– Commitment for Action related to each of the Corporal Works of Mercy – Closing Prayer
We invite you to use these rituals in ways that work best for you and your situations.
That we gather to pray and act is the most important thing.
This week, start with setting up a prayer space. The following video offers some examples.
Watch for our first post on Ash Wednesday, February 17.
