Ash Wednesday falls on 17th February. Traditionally, Christians commit themselves to repentance and renewed faith in Jesus Christ on Ash Wednesday. To be a Christian is to accept the call to radical discipleship and many use Ash Wednesday itself and the whole period of Lent as a time of lamenting injustice, conflict and environmental degradation in our world. It’s a time to build justice, peace and care of God’s Creation.
Last year, as with other years, Columbans were represented at the annual peace witness at the Ministry of Defence in Whitehall. Lockdown followed within weeks, so this year the witness will be virtual.
You may be interested in the following events and resources :
Ash Wednesday Witness 2021 – Christian CND and Pax Christi
On Wednesday 17 February Christian CND and Pax Christi are holding the annual Ash Wednesday Witness for peace. Usually this event would take place outside the Ministry of Defence in London but this year it will be on Zoom. There will be readings, worship and prayers, reflecting on those who have died in war but also the hope of Easter and Christ’s resurrection.
https://christiancnd.org.uk/events/
Global Healing
On 18 February, Bishop John Arnold of Salford, lead bishop for the environment in England and Wales, will launch an online series of speakers, prayers and discussions based on the film-based resource, ‘Global Healing’. The talks will take place each week throughout Lent, with Salford’s Head of Environment Dr Emma Gardner sharing her own knowledge and experiences with us on 4 March. The films will take place over six Thursdays, from 18th February – 25th March 2021, between 7.30pm – 8.30pm and are hosted by the Global Catholic Climate Movement Laudato Si’ Animators in the UK.
If you’d like to register to join, please email jane@catholicclimatemovement.global
Young Caritas ‘Let Us Dream’ Lenten Retreat – Caritas Westminster
‘Let Us Dream’ Lenten Retreat, is an opportunity to break open the themes discussed in the recent book by Pope Francis. There are three online sessions and retreatants will be provided with a pack, containing a copy of ‘Let Us Dream’ and notebook to record reflections. Sessions will have spiritual input from the Jesuit Young Adult Ministry, Diocese of Westminster Youth Ministry and Young Caritas. In the second session, in the middle of Lent, participants will be joined by Bishop Paul McAleenan, Auxilary Bishop of Westminster and Chair of the Advisory Board to Caritas and Austen Ivereigh, the Holy Father’s biographer and collaborator on ‘Let Us Dream’.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/young-caritas-let-us-dream-lenten-retreat-tickets-138923194013
Resources from the National Justice and Peace Network by Anne O’Connor
This year Lent has taken on a new meaning for Anne following the death from natural causes of her elder daughter Annie in June 2020. Annie was a scripture scholar, teacher and evangelist. For Lent this year Anne shares some of her daughter’s material for journeying through Lent towards Easter. Each day of Lent contains a scripture reference and a sentence of reflection. Anne feels we can use this time wisely to consider changes to our lifestyle that will help conserve resources, to live more simply and to work for the good of all. This is an opportunity to focus on what really matters and to journey in faith and hope
New Beginnings – A journey from Lent to Easter
Stations of the Cross in a time of fear and uncertainty
https://www.justice-and-peace.org.uk/lent/stations-of-the-cross-in-a-time-of-fear-and-uncertainty/
Ecocongregation Scotland has produced Lent to prepare for Cop26 in Glasgow in November:
https://www.ecocongregationscotland.org/uncategorized/word-on-the-wild-side-lent-thoughts-to-prepare-for-cop/
Scottish Laity Network: Lenten Journey 2021
The Scottish Laity Network’s Lenten Journey – Discipleship for Artisans of our own Destiny ~ Preparing the Future – begins on Thursday 18th February with Professor Jim Skea addressing the theme of What is the Hope of COP 26?
For further information please contact slaitynetwork@gmail.com
Combined Creation Time and Lent Resource – Liverpool Archdiocese / CAFOD
https://jp.liverpoolcatholic.org.uk/combined-creation-time-and-lent-resources/
Hard copies at: http://www.liverpoolcatholic.org.uk/formation-shop
Lent Prayers from CAFOD
Includes an Interactive Lent calendar and a Fast Day Prayer for Lent.
Weekly Gospel reflections can be sent via email.
https://cafod.org.uk/Pray/Lent-prayers
DVD – Stations of the Forests – Columban JPIC
An audio-visual lamenting devastation of rainforests and tribal people. A Resource Booklet provides agendas and reflections for meetings.
£7.00 inclusive of p&p from vocforjus@aol.com
Or download from http:// www.columbans.co.uk/resources/ dvd-video/stations-of-therainforests/
Women in the Shadows – a Lent study course on exploitation of girls and women – The Clewer Initiative
A new course for Lent created to help shine a light on the suffering of marginalised women. Biblical reflection is included. The course focuses on the different ways women and girls are exploited in the UK today.
