During Lent, we work to renew our lives through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. These disciplines help prepare us to celebrate the memorial of the Life, Death, and Resurrection of Christ at Easter (Paschal Mystery). There are also other Lenten practices, very much in line with the Pope’s message of Mercy – practices where God inspires his people to care for sick, the poor, the oppressed, the prisoner, and those who are suffering hardship. Because God first loves us and shows us his compassion, we in turn are able to show compassion to our brothers and sisters. These compassionate acts are especially seen in the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. Just as Jesus attended to the physical and spiritual well-being of those he ministered to, these Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy guide us to "help our neighbor in their spiritual needs." During this Lenten season, let us strive to practice the Spiritual and Corporal works of mercy with an attitude of mercy and compassion towards our neighbor so that others may experience the love of God through our actions. In our parish, on the Whittier Wall, you will find tablets with several suggestions regarding these works of mercy and charity. Also our parish bulletin has an insert with some suggestions of what and how this call to mercy could be lived and carried out in our daily lives. We encourage you to take a ribbon, and as you decide what you will do during the Lenten season, please tie a knot, or two, or three on it and place it on the wall as a reminder of your “contribution” to the Pope’s message of mercy.