Prayer
Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness; in your abundant compassion blot out my offense. Wash away all my guilt; from my sin cleanse me. Ps 51:3-4

Merciful God, you called us forth from the dust of the earth; you claimed us for Christ in the waters of Baptism. Look upon us as we enter, bearing the mark of ashes, on these Forty Days. Bless our journey through the desert of Lent to the font of rebirth. May our fasting be hunger for justice; our alms, a making of peace; our prayer, the chant of humble and grateful hearts. All that we do and pray is in the name of Jesus, for in his Cross we proclaim your love forever and ever. Amen.

Pray for the grace to feel connected to all parts of the Body of Christ.

Fasting
When we hear the word "fasting" we usually think of food. There are many other kinds of fasting. Could you "fast" from:
† buying reading material and use library or online resources instead?
† watching TV or playing computer games and use that time to help others?
† going to movies and use the ticket price to help others?

Give Alms
Use the time you save through your fast to help a student in need. Use the money you save to help educate a child. See how every little bit helps:

Help us change lives: school fees make a difference in Congo, Kenya, Nigeria, Peru, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Our foundress, Saint Julie Billiart, told our first sisters, "Teach them what they need to know for life." Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur have been "educating for life" for over 200 years. We know the difference education can make in the lives of people around the world.

And around the world we strive to provide educational opportunities for children caught in poverty. Parents are often faced with the choice of paying school fees or feeding their families. In Congo, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and Zimbabwe there is no such thing as free education: all schools charge fees. You make a difference in the lives of people living in poverty.

We are united with these families through the Body of Christ. We know from our own experience that when one part of our body is in need, our whole body feels the need. We know education is a path leading out of poverty to choices for better quality of life for families. How can you help the whole Body of Christ experience these choices?