esus spent 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness, fasting, praying and enduring temptation by Satan. Whilst we Catholics may no longer fast and abstain as we used to, we are still challenged by the example of Jesus to mark the special days of Lent with some form of serious penance.

Cigarettes, chocolate and coffee are popular things to give up for Lent, as well as habits such as partying and drinking. In today’s technological age, why not give up indulging in social media? Turn it off or put it aside for Lent. Whatever you decide, let it be something you enjoy. Give it up so that you can dedicate the time to doing something that will help you to grow spiritually. In other words grow closer to Jesus!

But beyond fasting and abstinence, observing Lent should also include sustained efforts to perform one positive act of love and service each of the days between Ash Wednesday (6 March) and Holy Saturday (20 April).

Here are some ideas:

• Practise kindness and courtesy – let someone go ahead of you in the supermarket queue, call someone who is lonely, volunteer to help at a soup kitchen or other outreach programme;
• Clean out your cupboards and wardrobes of all unused or unwanted items and donate them to someone in need, or to your parish St Vincent de Paul Society;
• Abstain from buying new clothes, gadgets or spending on entertainment – and donate the money you save to a Catholic programme serving poor and needy people;
• Take the kids grocery shopping for the poor. Let them help you bring the food to your local food bank or parish feeding scheme;
• Encourage children to light a candle for people throughout the world who are sick, hungry or oppressed;
• Spend an extra few minutes every day in prayer and thanksgiving, if possible before the Blessed Sacrament.

There are many poor people in need on our Zulu Missions. Although you may not be able to be with them in person, you can share with them in spirit.

Your donation – could provide a food parcel for a hungry family, care for an orphaned or vulnerable child, health care for someone who’s sick or aged, or the chance for a child to go to school.

In return for your kindness we invite your  special intentions for inclusion in our monthly Mass for Mission friends.

May God bless you and give you all the graces you need to make this a sacred time for Our Lord, His Church and your neighbour.