Ten Tips for Lent

A great friend of the Presentation Brothers, Sr Anne O'Leary in San Antonio, sent me Ten Tips for Making Lent More Meaningful recently. She received them from Fr Rudy at St Mary's University in the city. Here they are:

1. Slow Down - Set aside 10 minutes a day for silent prayer or meditation. It will revitalize your body and your spirit. You can do this privately, or with a small group of friends to support you.

2. Read a good book - You could choose the life of a saint, a spiritual how-to, an inspirational book that offers you spiritual challenge, insight and hope. Try the Bible.

3. Be kind - Go out of your way to do something nice for someone else every day. Random acts of kindness can have a lot of positive effects.

4. Get involved - Attend a Lenten lecture or spiritual program. The Catholic Intellectual Tradition Series Lecture coming up in March or any of the University Ministry Programs on Campus await your presence!

5. Volunteer at your parish or place of worship - Whether it's the parish fish fry, cleaning the church or helping with the food drive, it will give you a chance to help others.

6. Reach out - Invite an inactive Christian friend to come with you to receive ashes on Ash Wednesday or to support you in any of these suggested considerations for Lent.

7. Pray - Especially for people you don't like and for people who don't like you.

8. Tune out - Turn off the television and spend quality time talking with faculty, staff, family members or friends.

9. Clean out closets - Donate gently used items to the St. Vincent de Paul Society at Holy Rosary Parish or any other faith based organization that you know is effective in their outreach to the poor.

10. Donate - Pick one reputable agency. Decide how you can help by sending money, clothing or supplies. You might also consider donating your time.