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Young Adult News

March 2025 Edition

Pope Francis

Please keep Pope Francis in prayer during this time of illness so he will have a full return to health.

Lent

Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on March 5. It is a time for us to consider how deep is the love of God for us shown in the life of Jesus Christ. When one is loved, the true sign of understanding and acknowledging that love is to share it with others so that the love can expand and grow. We are invited into greater prayer, fasting and almsgiving. As you enter into this Lenten season, you might want to consider where love is drawing you in each of those practices to make love more visible, more felt, more realized. May the God of Love lead you and guide you on your path as you turn away from sin and are faithful to the Gospel. Below you will find some available options for your practices of Lent. Happy Lent-ing!

Lenten Prayer

Jesus, thank you for the gift of Lent.

Help me use this time to fast from the things that tear me away from you.

Help me pray with my whole heart and give generously and joyfully.

Bring me closer to you and guide me that I may help build your Kingdom on earth and share your Good News with those who most need to hear it.

In your name, I pray. Amen.

~from Divine Word Missionaries

Catholic Sisters Week - March 8 - 14

Catholic Sisters Week begins on International Women's Day. We celebrate all the women who have made a difference in our lives. We celebrate all the women who are reading this newsletter!

We also want to think about the Women Religious that we know. Who are Catholic Sisters that you know and love? How have they changed your life? Is it possible to reach out to one of them during this month and let her know the impact she has had on your life?

Prayer of St. Patrick

May the strength of God guide us.

May the power of God preserve us.

May the wisdom of God instruct us.

May the hand of God protect us.

May the way of God direct us.

May the shield of God defend us.

May the angels of God guard us against the snares of the evil one.

May Christ be with us!

May Christ be before us!

May Christ be in us, Christ be over all!'May your grace, Lord, always be ours, theis day, O Lord, and forever. Amen.

Feast of St. Joseph - March 19

St. Joseph is patron of so many different persons and experiences of life - of fathers, of refugees, of laborers, of families, of those who are dying. St. Joseph is sometimes called the 'silent saint' since we have no recorded words of his. We know from Scripture that he was a man of great faith and listened to and followed what God asked of him. Let us ask him to help us listen well to what God is saying to each of us.

Feast of the Annunciation

of the Lord - March 25

Mary is another good example of one who truly listened to what God asked. In our Constitution of the Sisters of Notre Dame, refer to Mary as the "listening virgin" because of her great openness to God. This piece of art by Henry Ossawa Tanner is a great example of Mary's listening stance. She appears so intent on what is being spoken to her and deciding what it all means. May we like Mary have our hearts open to God's ever new call to make God's presence know by those we encounter.

Jubilee Year - Pilgrims of Hope:

on the Path to Peace

Below is a link to an article on the meaning of the words of the Jubilee Year in 'The Jubilee's Promise of Renewal.' Check it out and learn more about this wonderful gift that is ours.

Hope in an Age of Isolation webinar

In case you were not able to take part in the webinar in February, here is the recording link for it - https://www.ignatianyoungadults.org/news-feeds/hope

The Jubilee's Promise of Renewal

Discernment of Life Call

During this Lenten season is it a good time to consider if God is calling you to religious life? Our Vocation Teams are working with many women around the world who are interested in exploring this call and learning more about discernment.

No matter what your call in life, we are happy to help in your discernment process. If you want to be added to a list of faith sharing, retreats, and other opportunities for discerners, contact us at vocations@sndusa.org.

Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation News

Human trafficking is an ongoing concern for people around the world. The Alliance to End Human Trafficking has the latest edition of their newsletter: Stop Trafficking Newsletter February 2025 May those who find themselves in this situation be helped by those of us who believe in Jesus.

Catholic Mobilizing Network

Today, we want to share with you two timely opportunities for young adult engagement with CMN’s mission to end the death penalty, advance justice, and begin healing.

1. Poetry contest offers a chance to win $1,000. CMN’s Justice & Mercy Poetry Contest for Young Adults is an annual contest which invites young adults ages 18-39 to submit original poems about the injustice of the death penalty for a chance to win up to $1,000. All poems must be submitted by March 20 for a chance to win. Enter competition.

2. Paid summer internship with CMN. The Congregation of St. Joseph Summer Internship position at CMN is for students ages 19-24 who are enrolled in a college or university at the undergraduate or graduate level. Summer interns work 30 hours a week in-person in Washington, DC alongside all members of CMN staff and participate in a spiritual leadership formation experience with the Congregation of St. Joseph. The deadline to apply for Summer 2025 is March 14. Apply for internship.

Events

Faith Sharing

Hope you can join us on Friday, March 14 at 8:00pm ET.

Monthly Faith Sharing Sign Up

Charis/ Young Adult Retreat Reunion

For those of you from the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati area, we want to remind you of the invitation you received in your email box about our celebration of gratitude. For more information and registration, please check out this link - https://forms.gle/ephqPcVWACuQT9sw7

We look forward to your being with us and sharing memories!