During the early days of the Church, Lent was a 40-day retreat for those receiving Baptism at Easter. Today in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults this practice is renewed. Lent is a time for purification and enlightenment, not only for those involved in the RCIA, but also for the already baptized as they prepare to renew their own baptismal promises. An excellent way to facilitate this renewal is to help the community focus on its role in the RCIA process.

It's hard for an old-timer like me to believe, but it's been nearly 30 years since the RCIA was introduced. I still remember the six-week convert classes when a teacher (often the pastor) gave instructions on being a Catholic. Now for most of us the RCIA is the norm for adult Baptism in our parish. We recognize that conversion is an ongoing learning process that involves the heart as well as the head, and we count on the community to be one of the primary teachers. For more about the RCIA and the role of the community, please read Catholic Update from May 2002.

Unfortunately, those of us who work in parish ministry can become so familiar with the process and the rituals that we sometimes take for granted that the congregation is equally aware of the who, what, and when of the process. If you haven't done so lately, maybe this would be a good year to refresh the memory of the folks in the pew regarding the RCIA.

Consider making the Catholic Update on RCIA available to small groups or even to the whole parish. Spend some time before or after the Sunday liturgies of Lent talking about the RCIA. Let the congregation know about the various roles (catechist, sponsor, etc.). Make sure they know about their part too. When we teach others we usually end up learning something new ourselves. Figuring out ways to enlighten the community may prove to be enlightening to all involved.

Lent is a good time to gather families for prayer and fellowship. Benzinger's Kitchen Table Gospel is a great resource for a Lenten rally, but you can also plan your own gathering around the Stations of the Cross or a Bread and Soup supper. Just make sure you send families home with an assortment of ideas on how they can celebrate this special season at home. One idea that I've introduced to parish families is celebrating with a Lenten wreath.

I'm the mother of five children, all grown now. When they were little they used to love the Advent wreath. Lighting and blowing out the purple and pink candles was as much a part of waiting for Christmas as fighting over the Sears toy catalog. We kept the wreath on the table with white candles and red ribbons for a couple of weeks after Christmas, and when it was finally put away the table looked so bare. I was delighted one year when I read about making a Lenten wreath for the family table. If you click here, you can read more about how to make that wreath, and even how to adapt it for parish use.

Whatever you do this Lent, consider the family. For example, if you are having a parish mission, provide babysitting for the wee ones and corresponding parish activities/prayers for children. Give families some follow-up activities so they can talk about the experience at home.

There are a number of Catholic periodicals focusing on Christian living that are aimed at families. One helpful—and affordable—monthly publication is Every Day Catholic, a "mini-magazine" (4-page newsletter) published by St. Anthony Messenger Press. Take a look at this month's issue or see selected articles from recent issues. Short, readable columns on faith, media, and family life, along with stories of saints and faith models, and inspirational quotations and cartoons for the refrigerator door, make this a natural for busy families. A great monthly bonus for the weekly bulletin, or for distribution to families involved in your parish school or religious education program.

"Creating a Place for Peace" is the timely and inspirational Catholic Update offered as a day-by-day meditation for this Lent. With all the rumors of war and threats of military action, this Update is a welcome challenge to our everyday assumptions about peace and the costs of peace. There's still time to order enough copies of this Update for your whole parish in time for Ash Wednesday, March 5.

Still looking for prayer resources for Lent? Stations of the Cross: I Am There presents a refreshing new look at the Stations of the Cross, bringing our attention to the ways Jesus' suffering and death are played out in our own lives. This little booklet can be used as material for weekly group meetings as well as for daily personal reflection.