The Lenten season began for Marist School students with this morning’s Ash Wednesday Prayer Service, which revolved around the theme “Lent is a Journey; Don’t Go It Alone.” This theme, adopted from Catholic Relief Services’ (CRS)Operation Rice Bowl program, complements Marist’s current school theme for the year, “Ardent Love of Neighbor.” Campus Ministry has coordinated a series of community-wide activities that encourage students and faculty alike to offer their prayers and sacrifices to families in need around the world.
In lieu of the traditional “rice bowl,” Marist will focus its activities on CRS’ phone app, which provides daily reflections for prayer, a pledge tracker for sacrificial giving, meatless recipes from around the world, and videos of stories of hope. All attending the Ash Wednesday Prayer Service received wristbands to remind them of their personal commitments to pray, fast, and give during the 40 days of Lent.
School prayers throughout Lent will highlight countries where CRS’ Operation Rice Bowl provides much-needed relief. Marist’s cafeteria will offer the option of giving up a snack or drink in order to make a donation to Operation Rice Bowl. Additionally, students may choose to participate in a variety of service opportunities during this time. Overall, Campus Ministry is offering the Marist School community many opportunities to join together as God’s children to help those in need.
