Wondering what to do for Lent 2009? This page will give you thoughts and suggestions for individuals, clergy, housegroups, parishes, schools and youth groups.
Lent and individuals
Pax Christi (with SCIAF) have reissued "Show me your face: daily readings and reflections for Lent" by Gerard W Hughes SJ. The booklet is written for busy and active people who have little time to pray, or who find prayer difficult when they have time. For each day of Lent there is a sentence from the Scripture of the day followed by a brief comment. Available from info@paxchristi.org.uk
Mission Together is the Catholic Church's only official mission charity for children. They are also a livesimply network member. Their motto is Children Helping Children and this Lent season your household can be part of their mission. Download their Lenten Calendar for simlpe actions each day. The calendar and other resources are available to download here and here.
Lent and clergy
Why not produce a booklet for your parishioners to give them ideas of the kind of things they can do and take part in over Lent. One parish priest, Fr. Mark Hogan has put together a resource which includes several areas of input, eg. times of weekday masses, youth activities etc. Have a look, input your parish activities and print for parishioners.
Download 
Lenten Booklet (Tip - save document first before opening)
Include a reference in your parish newsletter to the Saying Grace Community Challenge, specifically created to help families and groups spend a short time in prayer before having dinner.
Take inspiration from the diocese of East Anglia, they have put together a document, "Renewal of the Covenant" that will be recited throughout the diocese during the first Sunday of Lent. Adapt this for your parish and link to the Form an Environmental Plan Community Challenge.
DownloadRenewing the Covenant
Take a look at this beautiful Stations of the Cross presentation, created by Anne O'Connor, Shrewbury Diocese. Journey alongside Jesus as he suffers his passion. There are three versions to download depending on your preference:
Stations of the Cross Full Presentation
Stations of the Cross Pictures
Stations of the Cross
Lent and housegroups
The Westminster Archdiocese has produced "Recreate the Face of the Earth - Build the Kingdom of God: An Action Pack". Originally part of the At Your Word Lord programme, the pack can be downloaded below.
Also from the Archdiocese of Westminster, a Lent course called "Lord, Giver of Life: Daily Meditations and Group Reflections on the Holy Spirit" is available to download from
their website here.
Lent and parish groups
Why not take a community challenge? Your group could swap cash for vouchers with JRS. Or you could see how many tools your group can collect from the wider community and send them for refurbishment.
One parish in Hampshire used the parable of the talents to hand out cash and put it to good use. It brought amazing dividends, spiritual and financial. Download the article which appeared in The Tablet below.
AYWL Action Plan
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