Fulfilling your call during Lent

by Joanne Pohland

During Lent, we are called to pray more, fast, and give alms. The Council of Catholic Women in the Diocese of New Ulm is ready to help you fulfill your call this Lent. These opportunities can help us grow in our faith and become the person God intended us to be.

We can give alms through the many projects of CCW that are active throughout the diocese. Many parish Council of Catholic Women groups collect food for their local foodshelf, especially during the month of March. The Mission of Love Valentine Project is being conducted in many parishes, and this year's project ends March 31. Parishes also collect money for the Madonna Plan and for the Water for Life Projects throughout the world.

While fasting can be a difficult discipline during Lent, knowing that others are also fasting can be a source of great support. The Council can be that support for all women throughout the diocese.

To pray more is a great but fruitful challenge for us each Lent. Of course, we can and should attend daily Mass more often (if possible), pray the Stations of the Cross, and pray the rosary. Perhaps your Council is offering its Holy Hour for Vocations during Lent. In prayer, we develop and nurture our relationship with the Lord.

Often, we want even more opportunities to grow in our faith. Matthew Kelly, in his book, Rediscovering Catholicism asks, “If we sincerely wish to follow Jesus, we must ask, who have been his greatest followers? Who has thrived by following Jesus? We must ask ourselves, who has walked this path before? Who has embraced the adventure of salvation? And, are they available to guide us along the path today?”

The answer of course is the saints. -Matthew Kelly, Rediscovering Catholicism, p. 79

During Lent, we can take the opportunity to learn more about the saints, those who have been living and practical proof that Christ's philosophy works. Last Lent, I was challenged by my pastor to read the life of at least one saint. I read the life of St. Therese of the Child Jesus. Her simple life, which she calls, "The Little Way" is a life lived each day with unshakable confidence in God's love. What matters in life is "not great deeds, but great love." Her life of discipline is a great example for us and encourages us that we too can allow God to work in us so that we can become the best version of ourselves-the person God calls us to be. This call is the call to holiness, our essential purpose.

I also cordially invite you to attend one of the region gatherings held this spring in each of the six regions. Each evening includes Mass, a meal, and a speaker-and, of course, ultimately, the opportunity to grow in your faith.

Joanne Pohland is from Glencoe and is the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women President.