On a recent trip to the Archdiocese of Anchorage, RENEW International’s Sr. Maureen Colleary, FSP had the opportunity to discuss the Catholic Native Ministry’s experience of Lenten Longings with their coordinator, Sr. Frances Vista, DC.
Sr. Frances reported that there were seven faith-sharing groups with 55 participants. She shared that Lenten Longings was a meaningful experience for the Native peoples because their community is deeply rooted in oral tradition and they love to share.
The small groups engaged in many outreach activities during Lent, most of which were focused on the homebound.
The groups continue to meet regularly and are eagerly anticipating faith-sharing with Why Catholic? PRAY this fall.
They are truly faithful Catholics, many having traveled to Rome last October to join in the celebration of the canonization of Kateri Tekakwitha.
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Faith-sharing with the homebound.
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Making Easter baskets for the homebound.
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When asked what Lenten Longings meant for them, one group wrote:
Lenten Longings helped our family connect with cousins, siblings, and each other. We especially enjoyed the trust we built as a group and the singing we shared. We learned more about the importance of reading scripture before mass and felt more prepared for Easter as a family. Lenten Longings pushed us out of our comfort zones and challenged us to commit to action in our lives. God always gives us what we need. He provided this time of fellowship so we could see him at work in our home and in our hearts.
Native Ministry, Anchorage