Bishop Barron celebrated Ash Wednesday Mass with the students at St. Bonaventure High School in Ventura, CA. Listen to his homily, "Pray, Fast, and Give Alms this Lent."
I challenge you all to choose 5 of his suggestions and make an intention to  act.  Please watch- only 15 minutes- to inspire you.

Here is the link:

https://youtu.be/ATkwQhZdXxkj

  February 4, 2022
Spiritual Development
Catholic and Living It!
Communiqué 04
 TO: Provincial Chairpersons of Spiritual Development CC: National Executive (for information)
National Life Member Liaison (for information)
FROM: Cathy Bouchard, National Chairperson of Spiritual Development
We are Invited! Are we Listening?
 Pope Francis invites Catholics to voice their dreams, ideas and concerns in preparation for the Synod of Bishops in 2023. “Under the theme For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission, the pope has called the church to practice synodality, that is listening to—and hearing—one another in all facets of church life” (National Catholic Reporter). The process launched worldwide on October 17, 2021. Please ask your diocesan counterparts to encourage members to focus on the process of walking together and how the Spirit will guide them and the church, represented in part through their lives at the parish level.
 “It’s a spiritual exercise for the individual, for the parish, for the community, for the diocese and for the church at large... This is a moment to be co-creators with the Spirit. ... It is a chance for reinvigorating an engaged community through creativity and the call to be open. There’s a chance to reaffirm the good and reimagine some things that could be better,” said Julia McStravog,
 consultant to the bishops on the synodal process.
The purpose of the synod is not to produce documents, but “to plant dreams, draw forth prophecies and visions, allow hope to flourish, inspire trust, bind up wounds, weave together relationships, awaken a dawn of hope, learn from one another and create a bright resourcefulness that will enlighten minds, warm hearts, give strength
to our hands...” (Pope Francis).
 The document for discussion poses two central questions to be addressed by the synodal process:
 How is this ‘journeying together’ happening today in the local church?
 What steps does the Spirit invite Catholics to take to grow in their ‘journeying together’?
  In responding to these questions, remember that “journeying together” occurs in two deeply interconnected ways. First, members journey together with one another as the people of God. Next, they journey together as the people of God with the entire human family. These two perspectives enrich one another and are helpful for their common discernment towards deeper communion and
 a more fruitful mission. Ask your diocesan counterparts to encourage members to respond to these questions. Per the synod’s official handbook, invited members to:
 Recall their experiences: What experiences of their local church/council does this question call to mind?
 
 Re-read these experiences in greater depth: What joys did they bring? What difficulties and obstacles have they encountered? What wounds did they reveal? What insights have they elicited?
 Gather the fruits to share: Where in these experiences does the voice of the Holy Spirit resound? What is the Spirit asking of them? What are the points to be confirmed, the prospects for change, the steps to be taken? Where do members register a consensus? What paths are opening up for their local church/council?
 The Archdiocese of Regina suggests three ways to participate in the synod:
 Parish or Group Reflections: Most people will participate in the synod within their parish or in a group such as a parish council. Each parish is expected to plan group conversations about the synod themes. Resources are available to assist with this process. Contact the local
parish or diocese to connect with a parish or group consultation.
Vademecum for the Synod on Synodality: Official Handbook for Listening and Discernment in Local Churches is available at synod.va/en/news/vademecum-for-the-synod-on-synodality.html.
.
 Small Group Consultations: Many people find it difficult to talk about faith in public,
  making it difficult to join a parish/group consultation; however, it might be more comfortable
to have a conversation around the kitchen table or in a coffee shop.
 Individual Reflections: So that everyone can participate, there is also a process for sending
personal reflections. Individuals should reflect on the two central questions, prepare their responses and respond personally on the archdiocese’s website (archregina.sk.ca/synod-2021- 2023/synod-responses-individuals). Other dioceses may have a similar platform.
  A Communication Toolkit, including useful resources for social media, Tools for Facilitating the Synodal Consultation, Roadmap for the Diocesan Phase, the preparatory document, logo and
 prayer are all available at synod.va/en/resources1.html
 Please ask your diocesan counterparts to encourage members to pray for the success of the synod.
Visit prayforthesynod.va/en/ and pray for the church as Catholics listen deeply to one another and the Holy Spirit.

 Prayer for the Synod: Adsumus Sancte Spiritus
  We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name.
With You alone to guide us, make Yourself at home in our hearts;
Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it.
We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder.
Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions.
Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life and not stray from the way of truth and what is right.
All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time, in the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever.

 Amen.
  Cathy Bouchard
National Chairperson of Spiritual Development
 National Chairperson: Cathy Bouchard, 364-5140 62 St., Red Deer, AB T4N 6R1

O Lord our God, look down with mercy on the Ukrainian people. Protect and save them from the unjust aggressors who seek to subdue them. Grant them steadfast trust in your mercy and protection. 

O Mother of God, who gave us your miraculous icon at Zarvanytsia, intercede for the Ukrainian people, who run to the shelter of your mercy in their times of need. 

O Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Grant peace and protection to the people of Ukraine. Give them strength and courage to defend what is good, right, and holy. Keep them safe from harm and provide for all their needs, both temporal and spiritual.