Hi Claire, I want to be a Catholic convert but my husband is really opposed, so I’m doing what I can to learn on my own without going to RCIA (I prayed about it, believe me, and felt God telling me to be patient). If being a cradle Protestant was a thing, that’s me 🤣 I’ve been praying the rosary every day since August 4th, thanks to the Hallow app. And have found saints to pray to, especially St Monica, and have seen results of prayer to others in things being resolved in my family. All this to say, while being Christian is very much a part of my life, a Catholic observation of Lent is new to me but something I want. I’m struggling with what to give up that isn’t, like you said, a thinly disguised better habit I should have.
That being said, I’ve seen a couple of places now about adding something, especially sleep, which I don’t regularly get enough of, so wanted to discuss how adding something (rather than giving something up) is a means to grow closer to Christ. Can you help?
I just want to say that I'm saying a prayer for you, and one for your husband. Praise God that you've converted! St. Monica, pray for Joan and her husband, that she may continue this faith journey and that he may see the Holy Spirit in your lives. <3
I have often thought of adding something - and adding sleep sounds like it would be good - I think Jesus wants us to take care of our bodies and have balance - the more sleep you get, the more in balance you can be. Really, if it is something that will help you be closer to God and will require a little effort, it qualifies. (Careful not to set yourself up for failure!) I am so glad that you are doing the rosary every day! I started on a random day in October 2018 and have never stopped - sometimes it is just "obedience" but I can't imagine my life without it. One idea - you could add the Litany of Loreto to the end. Or a lovely prayer to St. Joseph. He is a powerful intercessor for our families and our church. Blessings to you and your family.
It’s been amazing how Mary has made a way each day, even if I have to “sneak” it in, I’m always able to pray it! I found novenas in the Pray app and also have a list of prayers bookmarked in the Laudate app that I pray daily. I prayed a 54 day rosary novena with Hallow this fall/winter along with a novena to St Joseph and saw prayers for healing of a serious breach in our family! I know the saints will help and that I can trust Jesus and His timing 🙏🏻
Hi Claire! I am so curious about #22: who is the Saint that you rolled your eyes at (if that's a personal anecdote?) I'm ashamed to say that I used to feel that way about sweet St. Therese. I don't know if it was because she seemed to be everyone's favorite or because of her constant cheerfulness (as opposed to my then punk-rock angstiness), but I had just that reaction: the rolling of eyes. It was actually Fr. James Martin's* book "My Life With the Saints" that really opened me up to her. (This book was actually my first introduction to Fr. James Martin, before I knew anything else about him. My feelings on him have changed, but I still love his book on the saints.)
I love #37 - As a Mom whose kids are soon to be in the rear view, I ALWAYS appreciated when someone told me I was a good mom and I believed them (even though I knew the truth). I try to do that whenever I can. I came to answer your note about whether or not I share what I am giving up for Lent - I find I can share last year's, but not this year. (Of course, I didn't share it last year while I was doing it.) Last year, I gave up pants. After nearly a year of working from home, I was getting sloppy on so many levels. So, I gave up pants - skirts, dresses and even shorts were okay (as were nightgowns and sleep shorts), but no pants, sweats or even pajama bottoms. (I could wear leggings for warmth but not as a primary clothing item.) This change led to me having to do a little more grooming and it led to me fixing my hair a lot more often and overall (I believe) it led to me finding a new job and getting more engaged in the world. It is also the first year that I ever took advantage of the Sunday rule. (Sundays don't necessarily count in Lent.) Anyway, last year's success has made picking this year's a little harder, but with help in Adoration, I think I have something. Smaller, but hopefully still impactful. Thanks for the Letter!
I feel like I'm doing a lot of little (but big) things around my social media time and scrolling in general since Advent/Christmas time, but have made some solid Lenten intentions this year! I loved this list and shared with friends. For prayer, I'm adding 30 min of intentional prayer time after work each day. I'm fasting from complaining uncharitably about my boss/other coworkers. I'm hoping this will help soften my heart and allow me to approach things with him in a more charitable way after a really tough few years. For almsgiving, I'm keeping track of my unnecessary spending (eating out, shopping, coffees, etc.) and then at the end of Lent donating the same amount to one of my favorite charities. It's helped in the past with being less materialistic/mindless about spending and being really intentional about increasing my charitable giving during this season. Praying you have a fruitful Lent as well, Claire! <3
Hi Claire, I want to be a Catholic convert but my husband is really opposed, so I’m doing what I can to learn on my own without going to RCIA (I prayed about it, believe me, and felt God telling me to be patient). If being a cradle Protestant was a thing, that’s me 🤣 I’ve been praying the rosary every day since August 4th, thanks to the Hallow app. And have found saints to pray to, especially St Monica, and have seen results of prayer to others in things being resolved in my family. All this to say, while being Christian is very much a part of my life, a Catholic observation of Lent is new to me but something I want. I’m struggling with what to give up that isn’t, like you said, a thinly disguised better habit I should have.
That being said, I’ve seen a couple of places now about adding something, especially sleep, which I don’t regularly get enough of, so wanted to discuss how adding something (rather than giving something up) is a means to grow closer to Christ. Can you help?
I just want to say that I'm saying a prayer for you, and one for your husband. Praise God that you've converted! St. Monica, pray for Joan and her husband, that she may continue this faith journey and that he may see the Holy Spirit in your lives. <3
I have often thought of adding something - and adding sleep sounds like it would be good - I think Jesus wants us to take care of our bodies and have balance - the more sleep you get, the more in balance you can be. Really, if it is something that will help you be closer to God and will require a little effort, it qualifies. (Careful not to set yourself up for failure!) I am so glad that you are doing the rosary every day! I started on a random day in October 2018 and have never stopped - sometimes it is just "obedience" but I can't imagine my life without it. One idea - you could add the Litany of Loreto to the end. Or a lovely prayer to St. Joseph. He is a powerful intercessor for our families and our church. Blessings to you and your family.
It’s been amazing how Mary has made a way each day, even if I have to “sneak” it in, I’m always able to pray it! I found novenas in the Pray app and also have a list of prayers bookmarked in the Laudate app that I pray daily. I prayed a 54 day rosary novena with Hallow this fall/winter along with a novena to St Joseph and saw prayers for healing of a serious breach in our family! I know the saints will help and that I can trust Jesus and His timing 🙏🏻
Hi Claire! I am so curious about #22: who is the Saint that you rolled your eyes at (if that's a personal anecdote?) I'm ashamed to say that I used to feel that way about sweet St. Therese. I don't know if it was because she seemed to be everyone's favorite or because of her constant cheerfulness (as opposed to my then punk-rock angstiness), but I had just that reaction: the rolling of eyes. It was actually Fr. James Martin's* book "My Life With the Saints" that really opened me up to her. (This book was actually my first introduction to Fr. James Martin, before I knew anything else about him. My feelings on him have changed, but I still love his book on the saints.)
I love #37 - As a Mom whose kids are soon to be in the rear view, I ALWAYS appreciated when someone told me I was a good mom and I believed them (even though I knew the truth). I try to do that whenever I can. I came to answer your note about whether or not I share what I am giving up for Lent - I find I can share last year's, but not this year. (Of course, I didn't share it last year while I was doing it.) Last year, I gave up pants. After nearly a year of working from home, I was getting sloppy on so many levels. So, I gave up pants - skirts, dresses and even shorts were okay (as were nightgowns and sleep shorts), but no pants, sweats or even pajama bottoms. (I could wear leggings for warmth but not as a primary clothing item.) This change led to me having to do a little more grooming and it led to me fixing my hair a lot more often and overall (I believe) it led to me finding a new job and getting more engaged in the world. It is also the first year that I ever took advantage of the Sunday rule. (Sundays don't necessarily count in Lent.) Anyway, last year's success has made picking this year's a little harder, but with help in Adoration, I think I have something. Smaller, but hopefully still impactful. Thanks for the Letter!
Thanks for the article! Fun fact - I used to work with Matt Charbonneau! We teach in the same school board.
I feel like I'm doing a lot of little (but big) things around my social media time and scrolling in general since Advent/Christmas time, but have made some solid Lenten intentions this year! I loved this list and shared with friends. For prayer, I'm adding 30 min of intentional prayer time after work each day. I'm fasting from complaining uncharitably about my boss/other coworkers. I'm hoping this will help soften my heart and allow me to approach things with him in a more charitable way after a really tough few years. For almsgiving, I'm keeping track of my unnecessary spending (eating out, shopping, coffees, etc.) and then at the end of Lent donating the same amount to one of my favorite charities. It's helped in the past with being less materialistic/mindless about spending and being really intentional about increasing my charitable giving during this season. Praying you have a fruitful Lent as well, Claire! <3