As Catholics worldwide are preparing to begin Lent next week, Church leaders are offering resources to deepen their faith through reflections on the Gospel and the Creed.
The Australian bishops’ conference is offering “an innovative online experience” called “The Reflection.”
In a press release announcing the initiative, Archbishop John Bathersby, chair of the conference’s Commission for Mission and Faith Formation, said, “Instead of just giving up something for Lent, why not take up something as well?”
“This year we are asking that you consider spending time with friends and family reflecting on the Scriptures that lead us to this joyous celebration of the Church,” he added.
This Internet-based formation program follows on the successful e-conferences organized by the bishops last year.Archbishop Bathersby stated that some 20,000 participants from across the globe joined in these two online conferences, demonstrating “a hunger in people to deepen their faith.”
The Lenten series will include the contribution of 12 prelates, and will feature the Sunday Gospel readings with extra resources for deeper reflection.
The first episode will begin on Sunday, but the reflections will be available on the Web site at any time for people to join in at their own pace.
SYDNEY, Australia, FEB. 9, 2010 (Zenit.org)