by Rick Cheek
This past February, I was serving on a Teens Encounter Christ weekend. During a break, I asked a few young people why they decided to go on retreat.
Their answers were simple: I just really needed to get away, to enjoy some silence, to renew and refresh, to disconnect from the busyness of life.
Don’t we all feel a need at times to disconnect from the busyness of life?
Now that many of us have been disconnected — ready or not — it is important that we recognize the opportunity God has offered us.
The opportunity to commit some of this newfound free time to renew our faith and pursue real conversion this Lent — not only for ourselves, but also for our families.
In the midst of this pandemic, are we sharing the Gospel message with our family that helps them find peace in the fact that God is in control of our lives and works all things for our good?
With the time you may have on hand over the next few weeks (or months), now is the time to carve out a prayer space and time in your home and pray with your family.
Not sure where to start? Lectio divina can be the perfect first step, even for little children. Read a scriptural passage out loud several times and ask them to pick words or phrases that they like or that stick out to them.
The daily Gospel is a great choice to use for this.
Moreover, dozens of pastors in the archdiocese are live streaming both Sunday and daily Masses.
Many Catholic websites offer the rosary recorded for you to follow along (for example, www.discerninghearts.com/catholic-podcasts/holy-rosary/).
Formed.org has resources and movies to develop your faith, and most parishes have membership codes available so you can sign up for free. Magnificat is offering its online version and app for free through May; for details, go online to: www.magnificat.com/free.
Finally, follow me on Facebook or send me an email at: youth2@ archkck.org to sign up for our #TuesdayToolbox — a weekly list of resources provided by the archdiocesan youth office.
As we move forward in this new reality, if there’s anything you need to help your family’s spiritual growth, the archdiocese is here for you. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us for assistance.
Blessings on you and your family as we continue this new journey through Lent.
