Ash Wednesday has come and gone. I hope you were able to celebrate. Lent has begun and you’ve “40 days” in the journey. So…what’s next? Take some time today and make a plan (if you have not already). Don’t let this time quickly recede in the Lenten “rear view mirror.” If you blink again, it will be Holy Week and the “best of intentions” will have to wait for another year. So… what is your plan for Lent? And I ask about “your plan” because each of us are called to be intentional in our life of prayer and to create a place and space in our life to be in relationship with God. This is especially true in the Season of Lent. Now that Ash Wednesday has passed, what is your Lenten plan to make room in your life to be filled with God’s grace? How about a Lenten checklist to help you get started?

• Set aside time every day for prayer and reflection with Daily Scriptures.
• Receive a daily audio reflection from Fr. Bill McConville OFM who celebrates and preaches here monthly.
• Receive a daily Lenten reflection email from Bishop Robert Barron.
• Join Dynamic Catholic for your Best Lent Ever and receive daily inspirational emails with short videos from Matthew Kelly and other Dynamic Catholic Team members.
• Read and reflect on the book “Rediscover Jesus” – copies are available for free in the Gift and Book Store.
• Want some online resources? Take a look at our Lenten Resources page. There are online videos (including one of my favorites from the good Redemptorists at Busted Halo).
• Generate your own list of spiritual readings. There is no shortage of good reads for your spiritual health and well-being. It has a great list of solidly Catholic books, novels, and spiritual readings.
• Join your fellow parishioners at our Stations of the Cross Fridays at 7:00 p.m.
• And absolutely mark your calendars to be part of Holy Week beginning with Holy Thursday’s Mass of the Lord’s Supper on April 14^th at 8:00 pm.

By no means is this the complete list of lists – but it’s a start. In the end, it is your spiritual life. Make it your plan!