Collaborative Lenten Offerings

Fasting, prayer, and almsgiving are the three traditional disciplines of Lent. The faithful and catechumens should undertake these practices seriously in a spirit of penance and of preparation for baptism or of renewal of baptism at Easter.
Below are some suggestions for you. At the bottom of the page are some resources for children.

Stations of the Cross and Simple Supper

St. Ann: Friday mornings during Lent: 9:00 a.m.
March 7, 14, 21, 28, April 4, 11, and 18 (Good Friday) Unless there is a funeral scheduled for that day. Please check the Collaborative calendar for changes.

Nativity: Friday evenings during Lent:
5:00 supper, 6:00 Stations
March 7, 14, 21, 28, April 4, and 11 (no Stations Good Friday)

Immaculate Conception: Friday evenings during Lent:
5:15 Stations, 5:45 supper
March 7, 14, 21, 28, April 4, and 11 (no Stations Good Friday)

Adoration
Wednesdays, 3:00–4:pp p.m., Nativity Church
Thursdays, 7:00–8:00 p.m., IC Church
Fridays, 9:30 a.m.–12:00 noon, IC Church (Unless there is a funeral scheduled for that day. Please check the Collaborative calendar for changes.)

Lenten 5-Week Rosary Challenge

Lenten Series
Thursdays during Lent, March 6–April 10
Dates: Thursdays, March 6–April 10
Time: 9:45 a.m.–11:15 a.m.
Location: IC Charity Dining Room

Join us on Thursdays this Lent for a new, six-part video series called “My father’s Father.”
“God is Father” – This is the life-altering revelation of Jesus. Yet, how many of us struggle to know that we have a Father in heaven who knows, loves, and chooses us as His sons and daughters?
Join Fr. Dave Pivonka as he journeys home to reflect on the urgent need to know God as Father amidst the backdrop of his hometown and the relationship he shared with his dad. This poignant documentary series explores the transformative impact of embracing our inheritance, unraveling the intricate tapestry of fear, doubt, shame, and brokenness to reveal a loving Father—for each of us.
We will be reflecting on the love of God the Father for us, his sons and daughters, through this beautiful series, over some refreshments. We hope to see you there!

Directed Lenten Retreat: Lent: A Time of Choice, Challenge and Change

Exploring the cost of becoming Jesus’ disciple by carrying your cross each day.

If anyone wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wishes to finds his life will loses it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. Lk. 9: 23-24
Ash Wednesday begins the Lenten season, of prayer, fasting and almsgiving that leads to Easter, with a call to turn away from sin, repent and return to the gospel and ashes that mark us as followers of Christ. Lenten ashes symbolize humility and the need to develop a spirit of sacrifice for others and surrender of self to God. They remind us that humans are mortal and will return to dust and now is time to say “Yes” to Jesus’ invitation. As you are marked with ashes you say “Yes” to Jesus’ call to change and follow him. Ashes are a public proclamation of your desire and intention to die to self and live in Jesus the Christ.
This retreat will focus on the inner work of Lent signified by the outward sign of ashes. It will provide a time and space to engage in interior work to support and explore your public proclamation and respond to Jesus’ call. Lent is a time of choice, challenge and change. In Luke we hear Jesus invite us to follow him if we are willing to pay the cost of discipleship and be changed. What concretely, does Jesus mean by this?
Ron Rolheiser, OMI responds to this question with insights gathered from James Martin’s book, Jesus, A Pilgrimage—namely taking up your cross daily and giving up your life in order to find a deeper life in Christ means six interpenetrating things that we will explore along with other questions. Why is suffering necessary and salvific? What supports you to change? How do you pray? What is hard to surrender? Where do you resist change? Do you believe in Jesus’s; promise? The Season of Lent calls us to reflect on and explore such questions with faith.
I will provide material for reading and reflection from scripture and a variety of spiritual teachers that reflect your unique relationship with God as we explore these and other questions you may have. We will meet for four in person or Zoom Spiritual Direction sessions you schedule throughout retreat. As we open ourselves to the Holy Spirit’s wisdom, I will listen deeply as you share and together, we allow the Holy Spirit to move us and bless and guide our sharing. This offering is designed to provide an affordable, convenient retreat that creates an intimate space for you to share yourself deeply with the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
Retreat opens March 3; retreat closes April 16. Begin retreat any time you choose.
Four one-hour Spiritual Direction sessions scheduled at your convenience.
Spiritual Director: Elizabeth McCarthy, Certified Spiritual Director, MA Pastoral Counseling.
Please Call (978) 462-7483 to register or for additional information.
Suggested donation: $95.00

Prayer Groups

Women at the Well Prayer Group: Virtual and in-person
We invite all women to come join us, no matter where you may be in your relationship with God. The group meets Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in person at the IC Charity Dining Room and virtually on Zoom. If you have any questions, or would like to join via Zoom, please email HRICWomenAtTheWell@gmail.com.
If you are unable to make it to every meeting, please do not worry! This group is designed to allow you to drop in whenever you are able to join us, no pre-reading necessary from week to week.

Centering Prayer for Lent
Our Lenten reflection on Jesus’ words and works reveals his intimate relationship with his Father. We see the depth of Jesus’ faith, trust and love for God as he often withdraws from crowds to pray alone in silence. Jesus tells us “When you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matt 6:6). Through Centering Prayer, you withdraw from the world to enter your inner room.
Lent is a time to follow Jesus more closely and learn from him how to pray in silence, spending time placing God at the center of your life, opening yourself to a loving Father, surrendering your will and in trust allowing God to transform you. This interior prayer is how we pray as we Center.
entering Prayer is an ancient Christian practice available to all who seek transformation through a more intimate relationship with God. This daily practice deepens our faith as we come to better know our God as one who loves us unconditionally just as we are and trust God has plans to give us a future of hope. Centering Prayer helps us say to the Father, “Not my will but yours be done” (Lk. 22: 42).
Please consider joining us and let God move you closer to him. All are welcome as we gather Wednesday evenings from 6 to 7 pm via Zoom. Following 30 minutes of Centering Prayer we practice Lectio Divina. We listen to God's words in scripture, ponder and share what we hear the Lord saying to us here and now and contemplate for the following week God's message to us and let it guide our choices and actions. Both practices strengthen our faith and reliance on God and deepen and our personal relationship with God. 
If you are interested in joining us or learning more about these practices please contact Elizabeth McCarthy 978-462-7483.

Recitation of the Rosary: in person Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:30 a.m. at IC Church or watch on Facebook Live
Join us for recitation of the Rosary in person at IC Church or live on Facebook (www.facebook.com/hriccatholic/) twice every week.

Going to Mass
Daily Mass is celebrated at Immaculate Conception, Newburyport, Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.
Our weekend Mass schedule can be found here.

Fasting

Fasting—Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fasting. Catholics over 18 and up to the beginning of their 60th year are bound to the obligation of fasting. On these days, only one full meal is allowed. Two other meatless meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to each one’s needs, but together they should not equal another full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted, but liquids, including milk and fruit juices are allowed.
Abstinence—Abstinence is to be observed on Ash Wednesday and on all Fridays of Lent. On days of abstinence, meat may not be used at all. Catholics over 14 years of age are bound to the obligation of abstinence.
This infographic gives a simple definition for fasting and abstinence. Take a look: https://catholic-link.org/images/gallery-guide-fasting-abstinence-lent/

Ideas of other things to fast or abstain from during Lent:

• Screen time and digital devices
• Negative talk and criticism
• Hot showers
• Non-essential shopping
• Snacking
• Music, radio, television
• Take the worst parking spot you can find in the parking lot and walk the extra steps

Consider taking up something
Instead of giving up something for Lent, maybe try “taking up” something for Lent:

• Prayer
• Look for a Lenten playlist on Spotify, Apple Music, or other music service
• Find a Catholic or Lenten podcast
• Letter writing or phone calls to the important people in your life
• Acts of kindness or words of kindness
• Make your bed every day or other daily chores
• Attend daily Mass

Here are some other ideas: https://catholicallyear.com/blog/outside-box-66-things-to-give-up-or/

Prayer
Some ideas from Catholic TV’s Facebook page:

Pray about and plan how God is calling you to a closer relationship with Him. Here are 7 prayers to consider devoting yourself to this Lent:

1. Pray with Art
   Sacred artwork is not only beautiful to view, but also offers deep spiritual insights. Read the Gospel visually, through gazing into scenes from scripture.
2. Memorize Short Prayers
   St. Paul tells us to pray without ceasing. The Church offers plenty short prayers from saints that can help us accomplish this. Some great examples are:
   The Angelus
   St. Michael Prayer
   Anima Christi
   Memorare
   Guardian Angel Prayer
   Litany of the Sacred Heart
3. Stations of the Cross
   Meditate on 14 specific scenes from Christ’s passion, from his condemnation to being laid in the tomb. Gaze upon statues or paintings of these scenes while you pray. See if a church near you is praying these stations on a Friday in Lent.
4. Daily Mass
   Daily Mass helps us stay consistent in reading scripture and offers the Eucharist. Although not an obligation like Sunday Mass, this is a practice that many saints have included in their prayer routine.
5. Rosary
   The rosary is another prayer that is often a staple of many saints’ prayer lives. Meditate on the mysteries of the rosary, particularly the sorrowful mysteries of Christ’s passion. Offer up any struggles or difficulties this Lent for the sake of His passion.
6. Divine Mercy Chaplet
   Call upon the unending mercy of Jesus as you call to mind your own need of healing this Lent. It is a little shorter than a rosary and can be prayed using rosary beads. “For the sake of his sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.”
7. Divine Office
   Divine Office is a participation in the Liturgy of the Hours that priests and those in religious life pray. They are also available for lay people and are a great devotional for people to practice.

Online Resources for Prayer and Reflection During Lent
Catholic Link Resource Guide: This is an excellent source for a variety of books, videos, apps, children’s resources, email/text reflections, websites, webinars, digital retreats, recipes, and playlists. https://catholic-link.org/lent-2025-catholic-guide/

FORMED has a new series called “How to Lent” that aims to equip Catholics with the tools to understand and practice the pillars of Lent: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
Guided by Solenne Santiago and with the help of priests and religious, this series will challenge our preconceived notions about Lent, laying out a roadmap for entering the season with a purpose.
Don’t let Lent sneak up on you. Instead, heed the call of St. John the Baptist by preparing for the Lord, using "How to Lent" to transform your spiritual life this Lenten season. https://vimeo.com/1046977763

FORMED has an additional series called "Foretold" that weaves together the Old and New Testament stories, highlighting their connecting threads of prophecy and fulfillment. What was promised in the biblical story came to pass through Jesus, his apostles, and the Church. Ultimately, this biblical history is your history. Just as the prophecies of the Old Testament were fulfilled, you can trust that Jesus will care for you and your story. Encounter this profound mystery and reality for yourself in Foretold. Sign up here: https://daily.formed.org/lent?_gl=1*m181gt*_gcl_au*Njc2MjMzMTA5LjE3NDA1MDA0MjQ.*_ga*NDk4MjU0My4xNzQwNTAwNDIw*_ga_XM88LLMZ0S*MTc0MTAwODMzNC40LjEuMTc0MTAwODY5My4zMS4wLjEzNjU0MDc1MTE.

Simply Catholic’s guide to a Catholic Lent: Everything you need for a more spiritual Lent: This page has some simple definitions like “What is Lent?” and “Who is required to fast?” https://www.simplycatholic.com/your-guide-to-a-catholic-lent-everything-you-need-for-a-more-spiritual-lent/?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_email=Omeda&utm_campaign=NL-Simply+Catholic&utm_term=4791B3314367F9X&oly_enc_id=4791B3314367F9X

FORMED: If you would like to pray and reflect on the written word or inspirational videos in the privacy of your home, take advantage of the Collaborative’s offer to sign up for FORMED, a free online resource on faith formation for Catholics. Click here to link to our website's FORMED page or click here https://formed.org/lent to go directly to the FORMED website.

FORMED Daily Lenten reflections, Daily Bread: Discover the Eucharist in Scripture (email): https://daily.formed.org/lent?utm_campaign=aic-lent&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=292969464&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-95gXKm_HCLpjBEx6NKYelz7Fa6GAiIJjv6PNKStet8lvQ8h6MIR1WlzDk7DYKSkyIUIJ7hq73WxxxDJYlhtVOKOg1u_A&utm_content=292969464&utm_source=hs_emailhttps://daily.formed.org/

Consider praying with the daily Mass Scriptures using the Lectio Divina method as described on the Collaborative website: https://www.hriccatholic.org/lectio-divina.

Bishop Barron’s 2025 Lenten Gospel Reflections (online and email--Scroll all the way to the bottom of the home page to subscribe): https://www.wordonfire.org/

40 Days in the Desert: A Lenten Journey with Our Lord:  https://mycatholic.life/books/40-days-in-the-desert-a-lenten-journey-with-our-lord/?cmn_cld=13622020170222T10441192050706158A8F64F4CBF420A62650B8301_489320240117T140316443884A665728434FFD94BCA8CD349E7AE7#toc

Weekly Lenten reflections with St. John's Seminary, Boston: https://www.sjs.edu/lent

Loyola Press Living Lent Daily (email): An e-mail series inspired by God s Voice Within by Mark E. Thibodeaux, SJ. Each day you’ll receive a message with an excerpt from the book, a prayer experience, or a reflection on discernment and decision-making. https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/lent/living-lent-daily/

Loyola Press Resources for your Lenten Journey: Offers many ideas for Lent including activities for children and “Arts & Faith: Lent” which features commentary on works of art:https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/lent/

Ignatian Spirituality Lent resources: https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/lent/

Lent in 3 minutes: Busted Halo (video): https://bustedhalo.com/video/watch-lent-3-minutes

Busted Halo’s Lent resources (website): https://bustedhalo.com/tag/lent

25 great things you can do for Lent: https://bustedhalo.com/ministry-resources/25-great-things-you-can-do-for-lent

USCCB Daily Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/

Franciscan Media: Lent with St. Francis: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/franciscan-spirit-blog/lent-with-st-francis-be-faithful-to-the-gospel/

Franciscan Media presents Lent with Padre Pio: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/2025-lent-with-padre-pio/?utm_campaign=5688218-Lent%20with%20Padre%20Pio%202025&utm_medium=email&utm_content=348891297&utm_source=hs_email

Dynamic Catholic Best Lent Ever: https://www.dynamiccatholic.com/lent.html

EWTN: The Seven Last Words video series: https://missions.ewtn.com/seasonsandfeastdays/lent/

Relevant Radio's 40 Lenten Lessons on the Sacraments by Fr. Rocky: https://relevantradio.com/lent/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=NEW%20video%20series%20this%20Lent%21&utm_campaign=LLOTS%20Network%20Auto-Enroll

Augustine Institute's "AMEN" Catholic Prayer App. Download in the App Store or on Google Play or learn more here: https://amenapp.org/signup

The God Minute: The God Minute is an online prayer community, led by priests, nuns and lay people who start their day in prayer. Soft music, sacred scripture and a thoughtful reflection are weaved into a 10 minute guided reflection and then uploaded for all to share. Listen/pray with your coffee in the morning, while driving to work or taking the dog for a walk. www.thegodminute.org

Online series: Total Abandonment to God’s Will: https://www.scienceofsainthood.com/total-abandonment-lent-optin

Apps to download on your mobile device
Hallow App: This app offers a variety of prayers to use during Lent if you want to improve your prayer life. https://hallow.com/blog/lent-prayers/

Pray As You Go: Listen to audio retreats every day. 

Laudate: Comprehensive App of everything Catholic.

Almsgiving
Almsgiving can be giving of your time as well as monetary donations. Here are some ideas for local giving.

Holy Redeemer St. Vincent de Paul
Please make use of the envelopes in the pews at St. Ann and Nativity churches for your donations. These can be mailed or placed in the poor boxes.
As always, anything that you can give is greatly appreciated. Please keep us and those we serve in your prayers.
Checks can be made out to HR SVdP and mailed to 4 Green St., Merrimac, MA 01860 or place your donation into one of the poor boxes at the back of the churches.

Immaculate Conception St. Vincent de Paul
Donations can be made payable to SVdP of Newburyport and sent to Immaculate Conception Church, 42 Green Street, Newburyport, MA 01950. People can also donate directly to SVdP Newburyport through their website at www.svdpnewburyport.org.

All Saints Parish, Haverhill
All Saints operates a food pantry and is always in need of food donations and volunteers. Visit their website to learn more about how you can help (https://allsaintshaverhill.org/food-pantry).

Lazarus House Ministries
Lazarus House helps those people who live a daily struggle to get the most basic needs. They provide physical, emotional, and spiritual shelter from the hardships suffered in their lives, giving them the opportunity to have choices they otherwise would not have.  Visit https://lazarushouse.org/ways-to-give/ to donate online or to view items that are needed.

Community Service of Newburyport
You can mail your tax-deductible contributions to: Community Service of Newburyport, Inc., P.O. Box 843, Newburyport, MA 01950 or donate online at https://www.csn1912.org/donate.

Our Neighbors Table
Please visit our website for more information on how to donate online. https://www.ourneighborstable.org/donate.html

Emmaus, Haverhill
Our Mission: We affirm the value of human dignity and self-respect for every person. We are called by our collective spiritual and social responsibility to serve all people in need—the homeless, disadvantaged, disabled, unemployed, and oppressed. Our goal is to enhance societal and personal advancement through provision of housing and support services that empower individuals and families to reach their fullest potential. Visit https://emmausinc.org/ to learn how you can help.

Pregnancy Care Center, Haverhill
The Pregnancy Care Center is a non-profit ministry of Jesus Christ committed to saving lives physically, spiritually, and emotionally...one life at a time. Visit https://pccnortheast.org/ to help our mission—whether by offering prayer support, volunteering time, or making a financial gift, you provide hope for women facing a crisis. Pregnancy Care Center (PCC) accepts monetary donations as well as donations of clothing, baby food, and baby furniture.

Fostering Care Inc., West Newbury
Fostering Care seeks to support children entering foster care by providing basic necessities and personal care items. Please consider donating your child’s gently used clothing, new clothing, new socks and underwear, backpacks, outerwear, books, gift cards and any personal care items such as diapers, wipes, deodorant, body wash, toothbrushes, and toothpaste (those handy little kits the dentist gives away are perfect!) We create gender, size, and seasonally specific bags for children heading to their new/temporary homes. Visit our website https://fosteringcareinc.wordpress.com/ to make a donation and learn how you can help.

Lenten Ideas for Children

FORMED: Lent with Brother Francis: https://watch.formed.org/lent-with-brother-francis

Katie Bogner's blog has many ideas for children during Lent. Scroll down the page to see many links. https://www.looktohimandberadiant.com/

Loyola Press 40 Crosses calendar: https://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2011/02/getting-ready-for-lent-40-crosses/ This Lent I will show my love for Jesus by doing something for him each day. To show what I have done, I will color a cross each day to match one of the good deeds below.

Loyola Press Lenten Activities for Children: https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/lent/activities-and-resources/lenten-activities-for-children/

Sadlier printable resources for Lent: https://www.sadlier.com/religion/blog/bid/79007/resources-for-lent

Catholic Sprouts 40 Faith-Building Lenten Activities: https://catholicsprouts.com/40-faith-building-lenten-activities/

Printable Lenten Family Calendar: https://275132.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/275132/_catholicmom/Lenten%20Calendar%20(8.5%20x%2011%20in).pdf?__hstc=67616846.ad40f34ca59782321468a74f60c4bff7.1718131766146.1740600053505.1740674768398.32&__hssc=67616846.1.1740674768398&__hsfp=1536433112&hsCtaTracking=189c2f0a-3219-4163-9af8-bcb5edd830c2%7C97730fdb-0b57-4f98-91f9-03ced45e38cd

Sunday Gospel Activities for Kids: https://www.catholicmom.com/sunday-mass-activities?hsCtaTracking=79d2969f-7746-40d3-a9ed-5914248d976b%7Ce1a1b5ab-a805-4db8-a1a4-0580bc03ab0f