Good Shepherd parish

We know this year’s Ash Wednesday, Lent, and Easter celebrations are going to look a little different, but we want to make sure we take time to make this season special. This is your landing page as we do Lent at Home together.

Our Lenten Theme: Pathways to Freedom
We've all sacrificed a lot over the last year. Heading into the desert with Jesus sounds so disorienting right now. Jesus is with us. Jesus provides us with new pathways in the desert to experience the interior freedom He desires for every human heart. He offers pathways to freedom that can help us in our stress, anxiety, doubts, and loneliness. Join us as we unpack and experience these pathways this Lent.

What is Lent anyways?
Lent is a season that helps us prepare for the celebration of Easter as we spent time reflecting on our own Baptism and make changes in our lives to grow closer to God. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends just before the Mass of the Lord’s Supper (Holy Thursday). You might think of Lent as a time to “give something up”. Sacrifice is definitely a part of our Lenten journey, but too can be taking on a new spiritual practice as we work to become the best version of ourselves.

In addition to Bishop Barron's daily emails, there are some other great daily Lenten reflections to consider as well. Check out the links below:

• Formed Daily Lenten Reflections with Dr. Tim Gray
• Praying Lent Daily Prayers from Creighton University
• Living Lent Daily by Loyola Press
• Best Lent Ever Daily Reflections from Dynamic Catholic
• Lenten Companion Book by Magnificat (Physical Book or E-Book available for purchase)

Throughout this time, the Church highlights the call to conversion for all members of the Church as we accompany our brothers and sisters who are seeking Baptism at Easter. What is your plan for living out these forty days and the rest of your life?

The traditional means suggested by the Church for centuries include prayer, fasting, and almsgiving and sharing. In these three, we become more attentive to our relationships with God and with others. This may come as a result of entering more into prayer and devotions, or making some sacrifices such as giving up certain food, drink, or entertainment. These are ways by which we are sure to put God first in our time and our choices.

A second way will lead us to focus on sharing, through such things as doing extra works of charity that help others. These extra works may be spending time with or for others, visiting relatives or friends who are ill or otherwise confined to home, shoveling a neighbour’s walk, or giving of our talents or treasures. Either way, we are imitating Jesus by sharing what we have for the sake of others.

These “tried and true” methods can help shape our lives as Catholic Christians, so that the Lenten experience leads us to growth not only for forty days but for our whole lives.