Introduction - March 15


2020 Online Lenten Retreat
Introduction, March 15

Dear Friends,

   Welcome and thank you for participating in our 2020 Online Lenten Retreat.
 
   Our hope is that, by participating in this year's retreat, you will grow in our own spiritual life so that you will be prepared to celebrate and live the mystery of Christ's death and resurrection more fully.

   At Easter we will celebrate the Paschal Mystery—the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  We will renew our baptismal promise to participate in this great mystery by which we are redeemed and the world is transformed.  At Baptism we were baptized into a way of life in which the Beatitudes are real and true.  That is why Pope Francis has called the Beatitudes an “identity card” for Christians. 
 
To access the daily reflections, click on the appropriate day in the column at the right.

   You may use the daily reflections at any time and in any place that is convenient and conducive to your personal prayer and reflection.  You may also use the retreat in a family or faith-sharing environment.

Although you may use the daily reflections in any way that you wish, here is one way in which you might maximize the potential of this year's retreat:
• Focus.  As you begin, spend a moment or two remembering the things you are setting aside for the time being in order to engage in the day's reflection.
• Read the day's Scripture Reading.  Look for words, phrases or images which catch your attention.  What is this reading saying to you.
• Read the day’s Reflection.  Are there words, phrases or ideas which strike you after reading the reflection?  How would you summarize what the pope is saying?
• Read and reflect on the Reflection Questions.  Focus on the question(s) which make sense for you.
• Throughout the rest of the day, notice any additional ideas or insights which occur to you.  You may want to return to the reflection or the reflection questions at the end of the day. 
• At any point during the day, share your impressions or insights with other retreat participants by adding them to the "Comment" section at the bottom of the page.

Thank you for participating in this online retreat.  May you continue to grow in hope during this Lenten season.

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