As Lent approaches, I want to encourage each of you to "Take The Next Step" on your journey of praying, serving, giving, learning and belonging; our Parish Anchors. As Saint Clement parishioners we are people striving for deeper holiness, greater communion and wider service. We are not called to be perfect, but only to be honest with ourselves as to where we are on the journey. No matter how far along or accomplished or slow or lax, there is always more that can be done. Whether we are jogging along or have slipped backwards, all we can do is take the next step. This Lent we encourage each of you to take the next step in your spiritual life by taking your next step in each of our Parish Anchors. Here are just some suggestions.

 

Praying: Participate in the Prayer Challenge. Our goal is to pray 10,000 hours as a parish during Lent and Easter. Do you pray during your morning drive? Do you pray with your children at bedtime? Do you attend Mass? Do you reflect on the scriptures during parish meetings? If any of these apply to you, then you are well on your way to helping us meet this prayer challenge! Simply click the link and type in the minutes you prayed today (or this week), and click "save."  

 

Serving: Register for our 10th annual Service Day this Lent which will take place on April 18. Teams of adult and teenage parishioners (6th grade and older) will participate in a variety of service projects at organizations throughout the city such as homeless shelters, child care centers, soup kitchens and senior homes. Children grades K-5 will take part in age-appropriate service projects at our school.

 

Giving: Our parish-wide Lenten almsgiving will support Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl. This initiative invites Catholics to live in solidarity with our poorest and most vulnerable brothers and sisters around the world. 65% of your donation supports CRS's development programs in 100 countries, and 35% supports education and advocacy efforts, along with local hunger alleviation projects here in the Archdiocese.

 

Learning: Join parishioners in Fireside Hall for hospitality and fellowship at our Prayer Resource Fair on Feb. 8 after 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Masses, while browsing the various Prayer Resources available to prepare us for our Lenten journeys. Over 10 prayer stations will be staffed with our own experts explaining various styles of prayer, as well as members of our existing prayer groups. Find a prayer form that works for you.

 

Belonging: Join an Anchoring Our Faith group this Lent to share your thoughts and learn from fellow parishioners about the Lenten Gospels. Small group participation is among the most important ways we can increase engagement with our faith, with our parish, and with the world around us. Increased engagement, in turn, leads to a life with more meaning, lived more fully each day. No scripture knowledge necessary to belong to one of these small groups.

 

I hope that one or more of these resources will assist you in taking the next step in your spiritual life.