Lent 2016 ‘Hear the cry of the earth and the poor’ Whakarongo ki te tangi o Papatūānuku me te hunga pōhara

The NZ Catholic Bishops Lent Appeal The annual Lent appeal is run by Caritas on behalf of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops. Funds raised enable Caritas to: - Respond immediately to emergencies - Work with communities to improve lives - Advocate against injustice - Help educate youth on social justice issues Caritas is one of the world's largest humanitarian networks, working in more than 200 countries around the globe.

Lent Reflection Programme For reflection and discussion of the Lenten Gospels by groups in parishes, families, rest homes, communities, and chaplaincies and for personal reflection.

Lent Week 1 – The Temptation of Christ “Mercy is the force that reawakens us to new life and instils in us the courage to look to the future with hope.” Pope Francis Reflect on Luke 4:1-13 Where is God’s spirit leading us today? Pray for those in Darfur, Sudan still in need of support

Lent Week 2 – The Transfiguration “ Jesus Christ is the face of the Father’s mercy. ” Pope Francis Reflect on Luke 9:28-36 How are we listening to Jesus in our lives? Pray for families in Nepal struggling to rebuild their lives

Lent Week 3 - Leave it One More Year “A little bit of mercy makes the world less cold and more just.” Pope Francis Reflect on Luke 13:1-9 How are we using the time we have been given? Pray for those living in refugee camps

Lent Week 4 – The Loving Father “A division of hearts cannot overcome difficulty. Only love is able to overcome.” Pope Francis Reflect on Luke 15: How do we experience God’s forgiveness? Take the first step to heal a relationship that is in strife

Lent Week 5 – Sin No More “If we have found in Jesus meaning for our lives, we cannot be indifferent to those who are suffering.” Pope Francis Reflect on John 8:1-11 How can we show Jesus’ mercy to those around us? Pray for indigenous Cambodians living with poverty and injustice

Lent Week 6 – The Passion of the Christ “May we never get used to the poverty and decay around us. A Christian must act.” Pope Francis Reflect on Mark 15:1-39 How can we respond to the cry of the earth and the poor? Consider how you can reduce your environmental impact

Giving at Lent Donate throughout the weeks of Lent or make a single donation using the Lent Appeal envelopes Online at Or call

Ngā mihi - Thank you facebook.com/caritasaotearoa