Catholic Global Mission Lenten Update

Thank you for responding to our survey on A-Cross Borders. The majority of you asked to keep it it weekly. But for those of you who prefer monthly we understand if you open it only once a month. :-)

In this issue:

Xaverian Lenten Reflection

Global Youth Ministry Services

Conforti Lenten Links
Africa: When the broom conquers the gun

Lenten Devotion

The Work of Transformation

It was in a fitting place, a Catholic high school gymnasium, and among the appropriate people, grassroots organizers from around the globe attending the World Meeting of Popular Movements, that leaders of the Catholic Church in the United States recently found a newly determined voice - and the message - to help guide us through the current period of social turmoil and threats to human dignity. [The] Vatican's new Dicastery for Integral Human Development was among the principal organizers of the event at the request of Pope Francis. Discover more.

Voices of Faith unites the Vatican with the international community and organizations around the globe to honor and acknowledge women who understand the need for dialogue, building bridges and collaboration across boundaries.

Xaverian Family News

The Way of the Catechumenate in Preparation for Easter

During the time of Lent there is talk of conversion. In the biblical language conversion is represented by images, one of which is that of the return with the Hebrew verb shub which means "to return to the path," "to go back to the starting point," which indicates a change of orientation. Which way? Who can guide in life? Spontaneously we would say: the way of Christ. Read more of Fr. Antonio Lopez Villasenor SX's reflection.

The GYM Experience

Fr. Alex Rodriguez SX gave the presentation on Mexico and Our Lady of Guadalupe at Fatima Shrine's annual Soup and Mission. See more pics here.

Check out Poetry for Lent on the Catholic Global Mission blog.

Lenten Webinars

Lent is here! It is a wonderful time to engage in creative ways to "give up" or "make time for __________." (Fill in the blank!)

March 26th will offer input to enhance both the preparation and follow up for Mission Service Trips that many parish youth programs offer. Fr. Rocco Puopolo SX will moderate that webinar.

April 9th (TBA) We are inviting you to suggest a topic which you would want us to facilitate that could aid you in better understanding Mission, Intercultural and Inter-religious dialogue.

These are meant to offer youth, youth ministers and anyone interested in youth ministry some practical and time-tested ways of engaging in Inter-religious Dialogue and Youth Service Projects and more!!! If you would like to take part in these webinars, email Fr. Rocco Puopolo SX to receive more information as well as indicate the topic you would like us to present for that third webinar.

Conforti Institute

Resources from Mission and Mission Together can be found on Catholic Youth Work.

Introduction to the Stations of the Cross

Africa: When the broom triumphs over the gun

It is the story of an African revolution which is captivating young people and damning of what has become unbearable leadership. It is doing so through rap, reggae and R&B, as well as word of mouth, mass media, WhatsApp and all other online social media. Learn more.

Discover more about Africa on the Africa Faith and Justice Network website.

Lent is our time of preparation

During these 40 days, we ponder what it means to "give up, take up and lift up." Using the spiritual practices of prayer, fasting and alms-giving, we deepen our relationship with Christ and discern where God is working in our lives. Discover more.

XAVERIAN MISSION NEWSLETTER

Travel the world with the Xaverian Missionaries. Learn about "Symphonies of Peace" in Japan and miracles of healing in Bangladesh. Read the loving tribute to Fr. Larry Crosara SX and about the ordination of the first Sierra Leone-born Xaverian Missionary. Discover Global Awareness and catch up on the latest world and USA Province news. Read it here.