6 Lenten opportunities to deepen your relationship with Christ
During the holy season of Lent, Catholics are asked to practice fasting and almsgiving as a means of self-renunciation to draw closer to God. They are also encouraged to intensify their prayer lives, turning their hearts and minds to Him.
As Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., reminded the faithful of the Archdiocese of Newark in his latest Rejoice in the Lord newsletter, Lent is a time “to let go of the pursuit of comfort and security in order to follow Jesus through the narrow gate that leads to the joy of his heavenly home.”
No one takes this journey alone. Across the archdiocese, there will be numerous opportunities to foster a deeper relationship with Christ in the company of others.
The events listed below also provide an opportunity to invite those who may have stopped practicing their faith or who may feel far from God to rediscover their profound need for Him and to find grace and healing in the Church.
1. Grow in faith in a magnificent sacred space
The Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, NJ, is the mother church of the Archdiocese of Newark, and a historic and artistic treasure. With its magnificent Gothic stonework and stained-glass windows, the cathedral is an ideal spot for prayer and reflection during Lent. As a parish community, the cathedral offers many Lenten events where all will find welcome.
– Each Friday evening during Lent, the cathedral will pray the Stations of the Cross at 6:15 p.m. in English and 7 p.m. in Spanish.
– “Vuelve a Casa” (Return Home) is an evening of adoration and encounter with music, song, and the opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance. This service will be held in Spanish.
– On March 12 at 7 p.m., the cathedral will present a Lenten Reflection by Fr. Christopher Ciccarino, the Associate Dean for Seminary and Academic Studies at Immaculate Conception Seminary. He is also a biblical scholar.
– The Xavier Company will visit the cathedral on Palm Sunday, March 29, at 4 p.m. for a performance of “No Greater Love,” a presentation of the Passion of Jesus Christ in drama, song, and dance. ASL interpretation will be provided during the performance.
You can learn more about all these events at the cathedral’s WEBSITE.
2. Journey through Lent with the Saints
When we are experiencing challenging moments, one of the best ways to persevere is to recognize that others have walked the same road before us and have discovered the possibility for holiness and peace.
On three consecutive Mondays during Lent, the Church of Our Lady of Peace in New Providence will host “Walking with the Saints,” focusing on how a particular saint’s story and example can illuminate our Lenten journeys. Cardinal Tobin and two auxiliary bishops will deliver the reflections.
– March 9: Bishop Bismarck Chau
– March 16: Bishop Elias Lorenzo, O.S.B.
– March 23: Cardinal Joseph Tobin, C.Ss.R.
Visit the parish’s website for more information.
3. Accompany Jesus on the road to Calvary
Francesca LaRosa, an award-winning Catholic composer, will lead “The Stations of the Cross – A Lenten Experience,” a spiritual journey with Jesus as He experiences the Passion. The event takes place on March 15 at 7 p.m. at Church of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Franklin Lakes.
“The Stations of the Cross are such a beautiful part of our faith,” LaRosa told Jersey Catholic. “In some ways, it has become a lost form. It’s wonderful to show people how beautiful the Stations are.”
With her husband, David, she has prepared an evening of readings, music, and visuals that draw upon Catholic traditions to help people “walk and journey with Christ to Calvary.”
“It’s very humbling to think of the Savior of the world dying for each of us,” she said. “Every single station hits on a different aspect of the Passion… Jesus receiving the nails in his hands and the crown of thorns, falling for the first time, meeting the weeping women… It’s a very special devotion to me.”
The parish will host a meet-and-greet with Francesca LaRosa to end the evening. Learn more HERE.
4. Experience spiritual revival at parish events
Throughout Lent, many parishes offer Lenten missions, revivals, and faith formation series. Many of these are multi-day events, allowing believers ample time to pause, take stock, and rediscover what is most important in life.
– Faith Quest, an annual Lenten faith formation series for adults, is sponsored by four West Essex parishes. It is being held this year at Saint Aloysius Parish in Caldwell every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. through March 25. Speakers from across the archdiocese will help participants grow in knowledge of their faith and their love for God. Sessions cost $5, but those who can’t pay are still welcome. You can register for sessions HERE.
– Franciscan Friars of the Renewal will lead a parish mission at Saint James the Apostle Church in Springfield from Monday, March 9, through Wednesday, March 11, starting at 7 p.m. You can learn more about “In His Presence, In His Love: A Parish Lenten Mission” HERE.
– Blessed Sacrament Saint Charles Borromeo Parish is hosting a 3-day Lenten Revival from Friday, March 13 at 6 p.m. through Sunday, March 15 at 11 a.m. Open to adults and youth, the revival will be led by Father Anthony Ezele and Father Felix Nzeadi and will explore the theme “Be Patient in Hope.” You can find more information at the parish’s WEBSITE.
– On Thursday, March 11, at 7 p.m., Church of the Immaculate Conception in Mahaway will offer “Let God Love You,” a Lenten evening of reflection featuring Bishop Michael A. Saporito. “Lent is not about guilt or pressure, but about coming home to a Father who never tires of loving us,” the parish says. Learn more HERE.
5. Participate in an online retreat experience
For those who are homebound or have busy schedules, an online retreat can be a valuable way to connect with others and live the Lenten season to the full.
– Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish offers “God’s Love Continues,” an online retreat series held on Tuesday evenings from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. through March 24. Sessions include faith-sharing, prayer, and small group discussion. Retreat sessions are free. You can register HERE.
– The Benedictine Sisters of St. Walburga Monastery offer virtual retreats on Thursday evenings from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. through March 26. The evenings focus on “what Jesus really wants from each of us: a unique and deeply personal relationship that puts the accent not on our spiritual achievements, but on His overflowing grace and mercy.” The cost of each retreat session is $20. Register HERE.
6. Join other young adults for a day of reflection
The Sisters of Saint Joseph of Peace in Englewood Cliffs are offering “Joyful Sacrifice: A Lenten Retreat for Young Adults” on Saturday, March 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Through spiritual conversation, prayerful reflection amid the natural beauty of our grounds, and contemplative time with Scripture, we will explore the simple living that Lent invites us into. Together, we will discover how the spiritual practices of Lent can open our hearts to the simpler, deeper joys that await us in daily life,” the congregation says.
The day will include Mass, lunch, and moments of quiet and contemplation on the beautiful grounds of St. Michael Villa. Goodwill offerings will be accepted. Registration is required.
Other Resources
Find more Lenten offerings on Jersey Catholic’s events listings. (If you have a parish, school, archdiocesan, or ministry event within the four counties of the Archdiocese of Newark, please enter the event on the page.)
The archdiocese also provides many useful online resources on our Lenten Resources page, including free printable guides, devotionals, and other materials to help you live your Lenten journey to the full.
Featured image: Christ Carrying the Cross, Sebastiano del Piombo, c. 1515-17, The Art Institute of Chicago, Public Domain
