Delivering food, shelter, and hope to the poorest of the poor
For many of us, Lent is the most spiritually enriching time of the year, and its beautiful 40-day journey is cherished as a special opportunity to grow closer to the heart of Christ. We remember his suffering and prepare our hearts for the victory of Resurrection Sunday. On its website, the United States Council of Catholic Bishops encourages spiritual reflections like these, declaring: “During Lent, we seek the Lord in prayer by reading Sacred Scripture; we serve by giving alms; and we practice self-control through fasting. We are called not only to abstain from luxuries during Lent, but to a true inner conversion of heart as we seek to follow Christ’s will more faithfully. We recall the waters of baptism in which we were also baptized into Christ’s death, died to sin and evil, and began new life in Christ.”
This Lent, we encourage your family to exercise faith and compassion in a tangible way. By taking part in Cross Catholic Outreach’s Wells of Salvation initiative, you can expand your study of scripture and serve communities in desperate need of clean water. Our shared goal will be to install safe wells in the neediest communities in Ghana, Malawi and Zambia.
These wells will quench thirst, reduce waterborne illness, empower families and strengthen the Church’s faithful witness. Your family can be part of a mission to install 69 wells and 25 sanitation facilities that will change lives for the glory of God. Jesus gave everything for us, so it is only fitting that we sacrifice to help our brothers and sisters in need.
Prayer leads our hearts closer to Christ. As you pray through the 40 days of Lent, specifically lift up families in Ghana, Malawi and Zambia who need clean water to drink.
When we give up something, it puts us in a better position to give to those in need. As you fast from food, coffee or other delights during this holy season, use any extra time to pray for families without water and donate any dollars saved to bless the poor.
Jesus shared his mercy generously with us, so we make a special effort to share that gift of mercy with those who are suffering. Consider devoting your Lenten almsgiving to fill cups with clean water this year.
1.) What does Lent mean to you?
2.) Have you decided what you will fast from?
3.) How does Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross teach us how to sacrifice for others?
4.) Do you understand our Lenten mission to drill wells for families in Africa? Do you have any questions?
Lord our God, we lift our hearts to you as we enter this season of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. May we follow your Son’s example in the desert, resisting temptation and being faithful in prayer and fasting. Focus our minds on the value of eternal things. Open our hearts to sacrificial acts of compassion. Strengthen our will. Father, you called us to store our treasures in heaven. We ask that you guide us in that mission of mercy through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our mission is to mobilize the global Catholic Church to transform the poor and their communities materially and spiritually for the glory of Jesus Christ. Your gift empowers us to serve the poorest of the poor by channeling life-changing aid through an international network of dioceses, parishes and Catholic missionaries. This cost-effective approach helps break the cycle of poverty and advance Catholic evangelization.