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.