Editor’s Note: This is third in a series of columns intended to help prepare our hearts for the season of Lent.
Does every Lent start the same way for you by making a sacrifice like giving up chocolate, cutting out social media or adding more prayers? You start with good intentions, but when life gets busy, those sacrifices feel impossible to keep up with. When you wake up on Easter morning, you realize that you’re no closer to Jesus than you were when Lent started.
It doesn’t have to be that way. Journal Through Lent gives you something most Lenten plans don’t: five pastoral leaders from our South Jersey Catholic community instead of Catholic influencers. They’re leaders who face similar issues as you, and they will walk with you every day. Each morning, one of them will meet you with a short reflection and a simple question to bring to prayer.
Father Stephen Robbins / Associate director of vocations
Father Robbins has watched many of us treat Lent like a checklist rather than a time to prepare our hearts for Easter. He knows this because he, too, has often set bold, unrealistic goals for himself, only to feel like giving up when he fails halfway through Lent. Father Robbins wants to help you move past the mental to-do and encounter Jesus. He hopes you will seek His face and truly listen to His voice this Lent.
Sister M. Emily Vincent Rebalsky, IHM / Villa Maria by the Sea Retreat Center, Stone Harbor
Sister Emily understands the frustration of trying to fit God into a busy schedule, only to find there is never enough room. She has experienced firsthand how a day can fall apart when we don’t lead with prayer. Through this series, instead of trying to find time for God, Sister Emily is back hosting videos to help you put Him first. She will lead you into a season where, by placing your relationship with the Lord at the top of the agenda, the rest of your day holds together.
Deacon Dean Johnson / Church of the Holy Family, Sewell
Deacon Dean knows how easy it is for all of us to get in our own way during Lent. We often begin with enthusiasm, but when we slip on a sacrifice or a prayer goal, it’s tempting to think, “Well, there goes Lent; better luck next year.” Having faced those same moments of discouragement, Deacon Dean is here to help you stop giving up on yourself. He wants to show us how to be merciful to ourselves and that we can start anew at any moment.
Deacon Jim Hallman / Our Lady of Peace Parish, Williamstown
Deacon Jim believes Lent is about preparing our souls through sacrifice. He understands that giving something up is supposed to “hurt a little.” That discomfort has a purpose: It helps us appreciate what Jesus gave up for us. He is here to lead you through these forty days so that, by Easter, you will have firsthand gratitude for the sacrifice Jesus made.
Father Steven Bertonazzi / Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Collingswood
Father Bertonazzi understands that between work, school and family responsibilities, you are already sacrificing every day. Having worked as a sales professional before becoming a priest, he knows how difficult it can feel to add one more thing to your plate. Father Bertonazzi is hosting this series to help you name the attachments that keep you from growing closer to Christ. His hope is that you’ll let go of what you think you need for happiness and let Jesus take their place.
This Lent, don’t go at it alone. Visit CamdenDiocese.org/lent to sign up for free – and let these leaders guide you back to Jesus every day.
John Kalitz is the digital media manager for the Diocese of Camden.
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