A few weeks ago, I had a conversation with Eleanor, my Spiritual Director, about Lent. In one simple sentence, she helped me change my not-very-positive thinking and feelings about Lent into something new. Eleanor said, “Lent is really about transformation.” It was a “bing” moment for me! I’m sure I’ve heard this many times before in my life; but a few weeks ago, I heard it in a new way. Funny how the Spirit works. God knows my heart and where I am in my life at this moment. I needed to hear the word transformation equated with Lent. And so, it is with this word and this lens that I offer this simple reflection on this Sunday’s Gospel…
Hi my name is Teresa Mckerral I live in Salmon Arm BC. I am a CND Associate with the Kamloops CND group. As well, I have the great honour of being the Western Associate Representative on Visitation Province’s JPIC committee. This year for Lent, as well as doing our usual Development and Peace Share Lent collection, our parish in Salmon Arm is also involved with Give it up for the Earth. This is a two part program from the Citizens for Public Justice. One part is a Call for Action! For example, ● walk, bike, or bus ● buy less, buy local, buy used ● eliminate air travel ● eat less meat; eat local & in season ● reduce electricity use ● support eco-friendly businesses ● divest from fossil fuels ● upgrade windows, doors & insulation ● buy fair trade ● cut waste ● refuse one-use / over packaged items. The second part is to send a prepaid postage postcard to The Honourable Minister Catherine McKenna telling her what we are committed to giving up and ask that emissions be reduced as promised. These postcards will be passed out after Mass on the 11th and 18 of February. I spoke about Give it up for the Earth at Mass on the 28th of January. This is the second year our parish is participating. Last year I ordered 50 postcards and they were gone in about 10 minutes. This year I ordered 200 and I hope that they all are used. The third way we are bringing a social justice theme to Lent is we are using the Jesuit Forum guide, On care for our common Home to study Laudato Si.
I am looking forward to Lent this year.
A new collaborative, made up of Women and Men Religious, has been formed to explore ways to help people attain affordable housing in Toronto.
During their last meeting, it was agreed to send a letter to Prime Minister Trudeau in response to the new National Housing Strategy which was announced November 22, 2017. This group then reached out for support to other religious communities. Sister Rebecca McKenna, with the support of the team, has endorsed this letter in the name of Visitation Province.