(Click here to download PDF version of this letter )

My dear friends,

During Lent Catholics participate in a sacred time of spiritual renewal, individually and as a community of faith. There are many ways we do this: increased prayer and Mass attendance, self-discipline such as fasting (from eating, smoking, drinking, watching television, and internet), participating in spiritual or educational programs such as retreats or renewal sessions, AND almsgiving, or acts of charity.

Since it was established in 1967, it has become a tradition in Canada to support the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace (CCODP) through the Share Lent Program. This support is the main way that Development and Peace raises funds to promote education and to create “peace through development” in selected projects around the world. The Canadian government also supports CCODP by making contributions through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). By contributing to the Share Lent Collection on April 9-10, we support the great enterprise of human development.

This past year the bishops of Canada completed an intense and focused review of Development and Peace and its works – a summary report of which can be found on the CCCB website. At the 2010 Plenary meeting of the bishops, when the results of the review were presented, there was a renewed commitment to support the organization and its many good works. I urge you to be part of this community of Catholic solidarity through your generous support of Share Lent, as we strive together to build a world of justice, where all can live in dignity and peace.

The criterion given to us by Jesus of being welcomed into the kingdom will be how we respond to the needs of the poor, the least of our brothers and sisters. Here is a concrete suggestion: in spirit, adopt one family from the developing world for the 40 days of Lent. Budget one dollar a day for their food. Following this suggestion, the offering to the Share Lent collection on April 9-10, 2011, from each person with gainful employment could be $40.00! All funds collected are sent from the Chancery Office of the diocese to the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace.

This Lent, may your spirit of generosity and concern for the poorest of the poor continue to grow stronger in our diocese! And may God bless our many efforts to open ourselves to His grace at work IN us and THROUGH US!

Sincerely in Christ and Mary Immaculate,
+ Douglas Crosby, OMI
Bishop of Hamilton

(Click here to download PDF version of this letter )

My dear friends,

During Lent Catholics participate in a sacred time of spiritual renewal, individually and as a community of faith. There are many ways we do this: increased prayer and Mass attendance, self-discipline such as fasting (from eating, smoking, drinking, watching television, and internet), participating in spiritual or educational programs such as retreats or renewal sessions, AND almsgiving, or acts of charity.

Since it was established in 1967, it has become a tradition in Canada to support the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace (CCODP) through the Share Lent Program. This support is the main way that Development and Peace raises funds to promote education and to create “peace through development” in selected projects around the world. The Canadian government also supports CCODP by making contributions through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). By contributing to the Share Lent Collection on April 9-10, we support the great enterprise of human development.

This past year the bishops of Canada completed an intense and focused review of Development and Peace and its works – a summary report of which can be found on the CCCB website. At the 2010 Plenary meeting of the bishops, when the results of the review were presented, there was a renewed commitment to support the organization and its many good works. I urge you to be part of this community of Catholic solidarity through your generous support of Share Lent, as we strive together to build a world of justice, where all can live in dignity and peace.

The criterion given to us by Jesus of being welcomed into the kingdom will be how we respond to the needs of the poor, the least of our brothers and sisters. Here is a concrete suggestion: in spirit, adopt one family from the developing world for the 40 days of Lent. Budget one dollar a day for their food. Following this suggestion, the offering to the Share Lent collection on April 9-10, 2011, from each person with gainful employment could be $40.00! All funds collected are sent from the Chancery Office of the diocese to the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace.

This Lent, may your spirit of generosity and concern for the poorest of the poor continue to grow stronger in our diocese! And may God bless our many efforts to open ourselves to His grace at work IN us and THROUGH US!

Sincerely in Christ and Mary Immaculate,
+ Douglas Crosby, OMI
Bishop of Hamilton