By Emilie Ng
ARCHBISHOP Mark Coleridge has encouraged Catholics to discover God’s mercy in Lent, prompting several changes to the annual Lenten resources prepared by Evangelisation Brisbane.
Evangelisation Brisbane director Clyde Consentino said the new resources were “simpler” and focused on God’s mercy revealed in the crucified and risen Jesus Christ.
The new resources take inspiration from the Sunday second readings, which focus heavily on God’s mercy, rather than the Gospel readings.
“Archbishop Coleridge has requested that the Archdiocesan Lenten resource focus on the spirituality and theology of God’s mercy,” Mr Cosentino said.
“He sees this as a critical issue for Catholics and for the Church today.”
This year’s Lenten resources include a reflection booklet titled Rich in Mercy, a box set of DVDs and CDs with scripture reflections presented by Archbishop Coleridge.
In the first episode, Archbishop Coleridge encourages the viewer to discover how “the power of mercy leads us out of a merciless world, into a world where mercy has the last word”.
Lenten resource editor Rob Cosgrove said Archbishop Coleridge provided “eloquent and insightful commentaries”.
“He is an engaging speaker and teacher,” Mr Cosgrove said.
Families are also invited to journey through Lent together with the aid of a new four-page family resource.
EB project team leader Ursuline Sister Kari Hatherell said 45,000 copies of the new family resource would be distributed to Catholic primary schools, kindergartens and parishes.
The family resource includes small excerpts of Scripture readings, simple prayers and practical activities for families to do together.
Among the Lenten resources also are an additional seven prayer cards featuring artwork by Maria Laughlin.
Mr Cosgrove said the prayer cards would be useful for people who could not make regular group meetings throughout Lent.
“These cards are ideal for workers and parents who live busy and hectic lives,” Mr Cosgrove said.
“For those parishioners who are sick, in hospital or elderly these cards can provide solace and prayer for the weeks of Lent and Easter.”
Vincent van Gogh’s painting of the Good Samaritan also features on the resources.
The Lenten resources will be available in parishes, bookshops and online at www.lentprogram.com.
Watch the behind-the-scenes video:
