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.