Faith Formation 
Week of February 21
First Sunday in Lent
 

This past Wednesday was Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent.  As we enter this season of praying, fasting and giving alms, strive to make changes in your life that will help you draw closer to God as we prepare for the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus.  

The Gospel reading this week focuses on the Holy Spirit leading Jesus into the desert for 40 days.  During this time Jesus was tempted, He was hungry and tired, but He chose to focus on His Father's love, the presence of angels and the words of scripture.  During our 40 days of Lent we will struggle with praying, fasting and giving alms, we will be tired and discouraged, but we can follow Jesus' example and focus on our heavenly Father and the words of scripture to sustain us. 

If you have not yet done so, this week is a good time to make a plan for Lent.  You can make individual plans and also a family Lenten plan. 

2021 Good Shepherd Lent Brochure
Information of Lenten activities at Good Shepherd

Holy Heroes Lenten Adventure
Free daily Lent activities for kids

Lent in Three Minute 
Video from Busted Halo

Pray

This first Sunday of Lent,  pray with your family that you will use these 40 days to grow in love of God and others.  

New ideas for this year

• 40 DAYS/40 PRAYERS/40 MILES
  This Lent, combine spiritual and physical fitness by walking 40 miles and saying 40 prayers. Whether inside on a treadmill, at a gym, or outside walking with a friend, take along your rosary or a favorite podcast (Father Mike Schmidt’s Bible in a Year podcast is a great one!) or spend your time in prayer praising God for the beauty of nature. Whatever form of prayer you choose will bring you closer to God this Lent.

• OUTDOOR STATIONS OF THE CROSS
  In addition to the Stations of the Cross each week on Fridays at 6pm in the Church, we will also have outdoor stations set up in the field for private prayer. A recording of stations at Good Shepherd and the written prayers are available for download on our app!
   
• WEDNESDAY MASS AND ADORATION
  Wednesdays during Lent
  Mass, 6pm *Added during Lent
  Eucharistic Adoration, 6:30 – 7:30pm.
  Holy Hour reflection on St. Joseph.
   
• THE LIGHT IS ON FOR YOU!
  Wednesdays during Lent: 6:30 - 8pm
  Experience God’s mercy and love!
  The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available at all parishes in the Diocese of Arlington during Lent.

• Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fasting for those 18-59.  You may eat one meal and two small meals that do not make a full meal. 
• Fridays during Lent are days to abstain from meat for those 14 and older. 
• During Lent we can also choose to give up something that helps us remember that this is a special season. 
  This can be a food item, but it can also be something that keeps you from drawing closer to God. 
  Cutting out or lessening the time we spend online or with electronic entertainment can give us more time to spend with family and with God. 
   

Almsgiving

• Operation Rice Bowl
  Be sure to pick up a CRS (Catholic Relief Service) Rice Bowl in the Commons this week and return it by Palm Sunday. Visit crsricebowl.org to learn more.
   
• SHARING SUNDAY DURING LENT
  Help us ensure United Community and St. Lucy Project have enough to respond to growing need for food in our area.
  Most needed items: rice, oil, beans, cereal, canned soup, canned chicken or tuna, pasta and snack sized fruit cups or crackers.
  Please bring your donation to the bins in the commons.
  Thank you for your generosity!
   
• BLESSING BAGS FOR HOMELESS SHELTER
  We will continue to provide Blessings Bags to VIC HOP (Ventures in Community - Hypothermia Outreach Program) during February and March. The bagged breakfast/lunch are for guests to take with them when they leave in the morning. Families can assemble bags at home and bring them to Good Shepherd to the special collection bin. The items should be assembled in a gallon size Ziploc bag. 
   
• Bishop's Lenten Appeal
  
  "Encourage One Another by Word and Deed”
  
  After reflecting upon the blessings that God has given you, please prayerfully consider making a pledge to this important appeal that funds many programs and ministries that serve thousands of people in our diocese.
  
  To make an online donation visit: arlingtondiocese.org scan this QR code with your phone or text “BLA” to 703-260-9800