Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent are approaching. This will provide renewed opportunities for reflection and conversion. Sadly with Covid lockdown, this will have to be family-based and subject to the usual safety restrictions we have in place now.

Trocaire have some great resources in place already. You can download some from their selction here.

Development Education Resources 2021 are available to download here. Resources are available for Early childhood, Primary, Post Primary and Youth. These resources will help you explore the themes of conflict and peace with students and young people through the lens of SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. Learn about the Sustainable Development goals, South Sudan and Trócaire’s work through interactive lesson plans, photos, videos and our latest Development education board game “Pathways to peace”.   Please feel free to share the resources with anyone else you think might find them useful.  

Also of interest might be our Parish Resources which this year include a Lectio Divina workshop for parishes, stations of the cross and an exploration of the Gospels for children. The Parish Resources can be found in the link below.  https://www.trocaire.org/our-work/working-in-ireland/parishes/

https://www.trocaire.org/news/themes/lent-2021/

A LETTER TO PARISHES ABOUT THE TROCAIRE 2021 CAMPAIGN

“Here are my hands, hold them. Please don’t leave South Sudan alone. We need your prayers. We need your support. We need your love.” Fr. James Oyet Latansio, South Sudan Council of Churches.

Trócaire’s Lenten campaign for 2021 tells the stories of two families in South Sudan whose lives have been impacted by conflict. Awut and Ajak are shining examples of resilience, friendship and solidarity. This Lent we hear not only about the enormous challenges they have faced, but also about how they support each other through these challenges.  
Due to the ongoing challenges of Covid-19, Trócaire has developed a variety of resources for use in your parish and that will support you in raising awareness about the Lent 2021 campaign: 

1. Resources 
The below resources focus on the stories and voices of families and communities with whom Trócaire works, and looks at how our faith calls us to act for justice. We also hear from one of Trócaire’s partners, the South Sudan Council of Churches, and learn about the role that the Christian churches are playing in working for peace in South Sudan. We encourage you to use these resources during Mass, at your Parish Council meeting, Liturgy Group or with any other active parish group. All resources are available on the Trócaire website. The below are available in English and Irish: 

• Parish resource, which includes a workshop, reflection and prayers 
• Stations of the Cross
• Exploring the Gospels with Children

You will also find the following resources on the website that you can use during mass to inform your congregation about the Lent campaign: 

• Homily Notes
• Script that can be read during Mass
• Short PowerPoint presentation on the 2021 Lent campaign
• 2. Awareness raising 
• Furthermore, please find below some other ways that you can raise awareness about the 2021 Lent campaign: 

• Insert for parish newsletter
• Suggested posts for use on social media
• An audio recording of the Mass script that can be shared on your website and social media 

To provide ongoing support to you throughout Lent, you will also receive a short email from Trócaire on three occasions during Lent, containing prayers and reflections which can be used during Mass. 
3. Box distribution 
You will also have received information recently about your Trócaire boxes. We want to support you as much as possible during the ongoing challenges of Covid-19. We have compiled some simple ideas about ways in which your parishioners could collect their boxes, mindful of safety and well-being being of the utmost importance as well as compliance with current government guidelines. 
4. UK Aid Match
This year, the Lent campaign is part of UK Aid Match, meaning public donations* given between 17 February 2021 and 16 May 2021 will be doubled by the UK government, up to £2m. Furthermore, if a donor signs up for a monthly gift, or increases their monthly gift, before the 16th of May 2021, up to three of their instalments will be matched! We will be able to support thousands of people in South Sudan to grow enough food to feed their families. Don’t’ forget that donations will only be matched up until the 16th May.
5. Lent online workshops 
Finally, we want to make you aware of a series of online workshops that Trócaire will be delivering during Lent. These workshops are open to all, and you can find out more and sign up here.

Some other resources:

CAFOD RESOURCES 2021

Encountering Jesus with St Benedict – On-line Retreat from Glenstal Abbey … a series of Lenten Talks which will be webcast from the Abbey will take place from Glenstal Abbey on Saturdays at 2.00pm, beginning on February 20. Details below