Dear All,

As we stubbornly carry on one event, one celebration after another in ways we have never done or celebrated them before, we have come to Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. Reading up, looking up what is suggested by the Church of England as well as other denominations I have come across some wonderful materials and pastoral letters. I was most touched by the letter written by Cardinal Vincent Nichols for members of the Roman Catholic Church and his suggestions for keeping Ash Wednesday at home. (read here)

Making the most of the blessings of the internet, we have access to a treasure trove of material for Lent, to the extent that it is easy to gather so much that you won't be able to see the wood for the trees. I will keep sharing my finds in our weekly news letter.

Most of the suggestions for keeping Ash Wednesday suggest in some form or other to gather as a household. That is wonderful and a great idea. Unless of course when you are a household of one and there is not much gathering to be done. For more than just a few of us the past year has been the longest silent retreat we have ever been on!

So how can we keep Lent, starting with Ash Wednesday, in a way that honours its spirit and at the same time makes sure it draws us closer to God, rather than send us into a depression eg by considering what else we will give up this time for for Lent rather than because of lockdown. By all means lock away your chocolate for 40 days and follow dry January with a dry Lent, if that is what you want to do and if that works for you. If however you are looking for ideas for a slightly more creative life giving Lent, then have a look at this Lenten Journey booklet here:.

Although put together with families in mind, there is nothing childish about it. It is a fantastic resource for people of every age. I really hope you will enjoy using it and that it will help to make Lent a Spirit filled experience.

With my prayers and best wishes for a holy Lent!

Liesbeth.

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