This Wednesday Christians begin the season of Lent. The word "Lent" actually means springtime. Growing up I always thought that had to do with the season -- since Lent comes in the spring, but then I realized that is only true for half of the world. For the other half of the world Lent comes in fall. So, what might this season of spring time really be about?
I offer, if I may, the idea that Lent is springtime because it is the time for us to care with attention to our spiritual roots. It is the time for us to make sure that we are giving our spiritual life the attention it deserves. Just as the spring plants won't grow if they don't get a good balance of sun, warmth, and moisture -- so too our spiritual lives won't continue to grow if they do not get a burst of life in the spring time.
Lent is a time to rededicate ourselves to practices of spiritual discipline -- a word we don't like in American society, but it is through disciplines that we grow. Committing to a spiritual practice for the season of Lent means that we don't have to decide each day whether or not we will do that discipline -- we've already decided. Practicing a discipline helps us to not spin our wheels.
So, blessings on you as you practice a spiritual discipline for Lent whether it be: spiritual reading, daily prayer, daily Mass, the Rosary, sitting in silence, taking walks each day, getting enough sleep, fasting, adding random acts of kindness... Blessings!
Marylhurst University Ministry promotes a Catholic framework for competence, leadership and service that honors the longstanding, inclusive ministry in the Northwest of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary.
Prayer Requests:
Prayer is an important part of our ministry at University Ministry. We've received the following prayer requests in the last few days -- I invite you to hold these intentions in your heart.
Please pray for my mom who has painful disabilities and is experiencing financial hardship and has no home.
From Jessica: Pray that God will guide me on where to go to college and the details on going about it. Thank you.
Praise the Lord, I passed the Civil Rights Test! Please pray that I have better time management skills this year. Plus, pray that I don't get sick. Stacey
Please pray for my dad that he may find a job.
Please pray for my term at Marylhurst.
Pray that I may be guided to a position of spiritual care giving in this new year - to be a companion to the elderly within our community. God bless all your endeavors in pace. Rowena
Please pray that I recognize God's perfect timing and plan for my life and that my faith increase. I hope to leave the past behind and feel confident about the future -- heart break, direction, vision, love, job, kids.
That I may develop normal sleep patterns and no longer need medication.
Please pray for healing of my anemia.
Pray for the strength so that I can control my gluttony!
Pray that I can negotiate the government red-tape and get an ID card in Oregon. I was born in the US but have not been able to work legally for 7 years due to the Federal Real ID Act. I've lived in poverty for 7 years and have been shut out of my chosen career.
That I may find a lost down jacket (it was a gift) and I can't replace it.
Please pray for the members of Cohort V of the MAT Program. Pray that we are fully prepared to teach in our own classrooms, that we've learned what we will need to know to meet the needs of our students.
Please pray for Shannon to receive guidance. She needs strength. She needs to overcome her anger and take responsibility for her growth.
For peace in my heart and home.
That I can learn to trust someone, anyone.
Pray for my group of friends back home who are going through a lot of major life changes.
Please pray for my mom -- that she will be safe and have fun in Hong Kong (with a side trip to Hing) for two months.
Pray for Matthew my brother for progress in his life, that he can find his passion and purpose in life and that he will return to Jesus.
Pray that love will spread through all my relations.
Please pray for Jonathan Halls safety on the road, as a new driver. Thank you!
Pray that I am able to make a few good friends from Cohort V of the MAT program. I've been feeling disconnected from my classmates. We're good talking during class and small group discussions. I just want some friends.
Monday, February 20, 2012
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Times for Prayer and Reflection
We offer a variety of prayer opportunities on our campus --
The Meditation Room, Marian 110, is open for use by faculty, staff, and students. You may find it a great place to go for some quiet time, or you may wish to schedule a prayer group. The space is yours, let me know how I can be of assistance.
On Thursdays at 12:05 we celebrate the reality of our inter-faith community. Different members of our community take a turn leading a small group of participants in a prayer or reflection. Everyone is invited to consider being a leader, and, or a participant. It is a great way to build community.
On Tuesday afternoons we are happy to host a Ladies prayer group in the Mediation Room, it begins at 1:oo. This group is student lead and organized -- yippie!
On Mondays from 1:30-2:30 there is a student led meditation group in the Meditation Room.
The last Friday of each month there is a student lead meditation from 5:00-6:00 -- beginning October 28th.
If you would like to make a prayer request you may do so through a direct e-mail to me chiggins@marylhurst.edu, by putting a note under my door -- Marian 110, by placing a request in one of the envelops located throughout the campus, or by posting a response to my blog.
Weekly Mass at noon on Mondays is at the heart of all we do at Marylhurst. We invite you to join us if you are able. Mass is also available at 11:00 Tuesday - Friday in the chapel at Mary's Woods. Mary's Woods has Sunday Mass at 11:00 -- for students involved in weekend classes here on campus.
How else can we meet your needs? Let me know and I'll see what I can do to be of service.
The Meditation Room, Marian 110, is open for use by faculty, staff, and students. You may find it a great place to go for some quiet time, or you may wish to schedule a prayer group. The space is yours, let me know how I can be of assistance.
On Thursdays at 12:05 we celebrate the reality of our inter-faith community. Different members of our community take a turn leading a small group of participants in a prayer or reflection. Everyone is invited to consider being a leader, and, or a participant. It is a great way to build community.
On Tuesday afternoons we are happy to host a Ladies prayer group in the Mediation Room, it begins at 1:oo. This group is student lead and organized -- yippie!
On Mondays from 1:30-2:30 there is a student led meditation group in the Meditation Room.
The last Friday of each month there is a student lead meditation from 5:00-6:00 -- beginning October 28th.
If you would like to make a prayer request you may do so through a direct e-mail to me chiggins@marylhurst.edu, by putting a note under my door -- Marian 110, by placing a request in one of the envelops located throughout the campus, or by posting a response to my blog.
Weekly Mass at noon on Mondays is at the heart of all we do at Marylhurst. We invite you to join us if you are able. Mass is also available at 11:00 Tuesday - Friday in the chapel at Mary's Woods. Mary's Woods has Sunday Mass at 11:00 -- for students involved in weekend classes here on campus.
How else can we meet your needs? Let me know and I'll see what I can do to be of service.
If the only prayer you ever say in your whole life is "thank you," that would suffice. Meister Eckhart
Bilblical Exegetical Society Workshop
The Biblical Exegetical Society of Marylhurst
Kathleen has graciously offered to take on the leadership for the Biblical Exegetical Society. She'll be in touch with future events. It seems from our experience this past year that the lunch hour on MAAT Cohort weekends works best as a time for folks to gather. I look forward to joining you at future events!