Australian Bishops Offer Online Lenten Reflections

(Feb.10,2010): :As Catholics worldwide prepare 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 on Tuesday, 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. Across the globe, Catholics in the Diocese of Westminster, in England, are also preparing Lenten reflection materials that will be launched in several countries. The 40-day period of Lent begins on Ash Wed.17 February.