We just packed up all the Christmas decorations, shoveled our way out from under the snow, and Lent is already knocking at our door! Where did the time go? As we head into this holy and quiet season, here are some ways you can walk alongside Mary's Mantle over these 40 days.
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FASTING: Refraining from food and drink as an expression of interior penance, in imitation of the fast of Jesus for forty days in the desert. Fasting is an ascetical practice recommended in Scripture and the writings of the Church Fathers; it is sometimes prescribed by a precept of the Church, especially during the liturgical season of Lent (CCC* 538, 1434, 2043).
So many of the women who walk through the doors of Mary's Mantle have spent their lives with so little. Many have suffered from a shortage of food, shelter, and clothing, but all have in some way suffered from a deprivation of authentic love. While the catechism calls us to fast from food and drink as part of our practice of Lent, there are many other practices of self-denial that can be added to deepen the experience of Lent.
This Lent, consider giving up something for the women, children, and staff of Mary's Mantle. Here are some ways you could fast for us.
- Skip one meal a week.
- Drink nothing other than water.
- Eliminate non-meal snacking.
- Extend the required fasts for the duration of Lent.
- Commit to spending no more than $5-10/day on meals (prepared or purchased).
- Give up Facebook.
- Give up social media entirely.
- Only allow yourself three outfits for the duration of Lent.
- Give up non-essential shopping.
- Give up television.
- Give up the radio in your car.
- If it were warmer, I would suggest walking to places within a certain radius of your home, but use your best judgment with that one!
PRAYER: The elevation of the mind and heart to God in praise of his glory; a petition made to God for some desired good, or in thanksgiving for a good received, or in intercession for others before God. Through prayer the Christian experiences a communion with God through Christ in the Church (CCC* 2559–2565).
We know that the work we do here at the Mantle is not of our own doing. Rather, we are vessels for the Lord to do His work in the lives of the women He sends us (and in our own lives through that service). Many of the women who enter our program have little to no understanding of the love of God. I know in my own life, until I understood that tremendous and unyielding love, I did not fully understand myself or how to be in the world. These mothers are no different. God is doing a work in them, and they are in desperate need of His healing hand.
This Lent, please consider offering your prayers for the mothers and children (and staff) of Mary's Mantle. Below are some possible avenues for intercessory prayer:
- Pray a daily Chaplet of Divine Mercy.
- Pray a daily Rosary
- Offer a Mass for the work and women of Mary's Mantle.
- Offer a novena. (Might I suggest one to Our Lady Undoer of Knots?)
- Adopt a woman/child for prayer.
- Spend an hour before the Blessed Sacrament weekly for the intentions of Mary's Mantle.
- Attend daily Mass on our behalf.
- Write a letter of encouragement/prayer to a woman in residence or in our aftercare program.
- Offer a Memorare Novena.
- Light a candle at a chapel for the women and children of Mary's Mantle.
ALMSGIVING: Money or goods given to the poor as an act of penance or fraternal charity. Almsgiving, together with prayer and fasting, are traditionally recommended to foster the state of interior penance (CCC* 1434; cf. 1969, 2447).
One of my very favorite things about Mary's Mantle is the deep dependence we have on our donors. Whether it is $5 or $5000, our donors have kept our doors open these past five years not only with their dollars, but with their dedication and service.
This year, please consider Mary's Mantle in your Lenten giving. You could:
- Make a monetary donation.
- Host a canned food drive.
- Host a penny drive.
- Give of your time by volunteering.
- Host a gift card drive (Meijer, Target, and Kroger are some of our favorites!)
- Offer to make a meal for the residents.
- Donate movie tickets or the cost of museum admission(s) for resident outings.
These lists are by no means exhaustive!
Mary's Mantle appreciates your dedicated support of our ministry. We pray that Lent is a peaceful time to reconnect with the voice of the Holy Spirit in your life. Thank you for being a part of our lives!
Blessings in Christ,
Rakhi
