This year, the season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on March 5 and will conclude on Holy Thursday, April 17. Below are resources to help increase your understanding of this sacred time in the liturgical calendar.
Lent and Easter Wisdom from Thomas Merton, by The Merton Istitute for Contemplative Living. Let the words of Trappist monk Thomas Merton lead you through the holy season of Lent and into Easter. The book is organized into daily reflections, including an explanation of one facet of the season, followed by Merton’s writings, appropriate Scripture passages and a daily journal topic to encourage your own thoughts related to Lent and Easter.
Lent with the Saints: Daily Reflections, by Franciscan Father Greg Friedman. In Lent With the Saints, Franciscan Father Greg Friedman provides companions for each day of our Lenten journey, from saints, theologians and other iconic figures in our faith to everyday heroes whose small actions testified to the dignity of human life.
Hope from the Ashes: Insights and Resources for Welcoming Lenten Visitors, by Paul Jarzembowski. Through the lens of the Scripture readings heard every Ash Wednesday, this book will help readers understand what they can do in their annual preparation for Lent, as well as what they can do on Ash Wednesday, throughout the Lenten season and beyond. The goal for the reader is to find practical ways to be responsive and engaging in their homes, within their local communities and at their local parish and be a part of the movement to transform “moments of return” into milestones along the journey of faith.
To borrow these or other resources, the diocesan library and Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry are open for in-person visits and consultations 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. You may also visit the website. Once you make your selections, you can email the request to mhynes@youngstowndiocese.org.
