Lenten Prayer Program

29 March 2024

Looking to give up something for Lent? Why not give up 10 minutes every day and dedicate it to solidarity with refugees? 

Join JRS Australia in our Lenten challenge by offering moments of your day to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving in solidarity with refugees.

The Goal

Starting on Ash Wednesday, February 17, the goal is to reach 400 minutes of solidarity by Easter Sunday, April 4. That’s 10 minutes each day for the 40 days of Lent. You’re welcome to make this challenge your own by giving 20 minutes one day and 5 minutes another, for example. Find what works best for you.

The Purpose

Pope Francis has called us to encounter those who have been forcibly displaced, but what does that mean as we all continue to social distance? Why not use these minutes as moments of solidarity with refugees? We believe that solidarity can cross borders and be sustained through prayer and actions that we do from our own home.

How Can I Reach This Goal?

The Catholic Church traditionally calls us to moments of prayer, fasting (giving something up), and almsgiving (donating money or goods) during Lent. These spiritual practices can deepen our relationship with God and prepare us for Easter. At the start of each week, we will send you an email with suggested actions including a story and prayer from JRS.

For example:

  • Prayer: Spend 10 minutes daily praying the Examen, a prayer from the Ignatian tradition. 
  • Fasting: Do you listen to music while running, walking, cooking? Give up your regular routine and consider listening to this video on Facebook that shares Hava’s and Idrissa’s story of finding refuge in Australia. 
  • AlmsgivingThe COVID crisis has deeply impacted the lives of the people that we serve. Today, JRS Australia team provides critical forms of support to the most marginalised people in Australia society. For many people, JRS Australia is the only safety net.  Please donate to JRS Australia and invite your family and friends to support the work of JRS Australia.  

More than giving “up”, this is daily giving “of” our time to stand in solidarity with the global refugee community.

How Do I Sign Up?

Please email Anne Nesbitt at anne.nesbitt@jrs.org.au if you want to join the Challenge. We ask that you consider a $40 donation to join us in the challenge, but this challenge is open to all who wish to participate.  All are welcome to join!  

Where Do I Log My Minutes?

We have created  this Google form for you to log your minutes. Weekly emails to participants will also include a reminder to log your minutes. We will check in with you midway through the challenge to let you know how you are doing.

Please share this Lenten Program with friends and family!