Lent Retreats and Devotions

Believe it or not, Ash Wednesday is less than a month away (March 5)! During Lent many of us take on new spiritual disciplines, or give up something, or attend retreats. As Women of the Diocese of the Rio Grande we are blessed with many opportunities for spiritual nourishment before and during Lent. There are 3 retreats in March that sound deeply spiritually nourishing. I am sure that there are others around the diocese...these just happen to be ones I was informed were happening. More info on each of these is on the calendar page.
There is the Bishop's Retreat: Holy Lent Through Love at the Cathedral on March 15 (8:30-3). The cost has been reduced to $20 for this event (those who have already registered will get a refund of the additional fee.) Bishop Vono will be with us to inspire Women of the DRG to a Holy Lent Through Love. His message will be based on Galatians 5, There will also be time throughout the day for quiet reflection on the Bishop’s message, including opportunities to walk the Labyrinth, join the Society of Mary for the Rosary, and just meditate in the quiet of the Cathedral.  Lunch is provided by the St. Agnes Chapter of the Daughters of the King. Register online, follow the link on the blog, or email Cindy Davis.

A simultaneous Day Camp for children (ages 5-12) will be offered at the Cathedral on Saturday so interested mothers can participate in this refreshing time of quiet and preparation for Lent.

Another option in the Women's Spirituality Gathering and Quiet Day on March 1 with Deborah Smith Douglas at Holy Faith in Santa Fe. Last year nearly 90 women found relaxation and inspiration from Deborah's talks. There is no cost, bring your own lunch. Contact the Very Rev. Peggy Patterson(Details on the calendar page.)

On March 8, you can attend "Seven Words, Seven Witnesses" at San Gabriel Mission in Corrales. No cost. Contact the Rev. Rhonda McIntire (Details on the calendar page.)

Lent can also be a time of picking up a new devotional habit. The Daughters of the King of the Diocese have just completed a Lent Devotional called "Renew a Right Spirit Within Us". This includes meditations by Daughters, Bishop Vono, and the Very Rev. Jeanne Lutz. Prayers and prayer activities with special meaning to Daughters around the Diocese will deepen your Easter preparations. If you'd like to get a copy for yourself, contact Cindy Davis. The cost is $5 (covers printing and postage).

Other Lent study and devotion books can be obtained from the Forward Movement, Christian Book Distributors, and others. Many of them can also be purchased through our own Rickie Sherrill with Good Books New Mexico!

There are of course online resources for Lent, too. One fun one is Lent Madness. Learn about saints of the church throughout Lent and find out which saint gets the most votes.  Join the new Women's Ministry Facebook page and share your own favorite Lent devotionals or something that inspires you and see what inspires other women around the diocese. We can inspire one another to keep a Holy Lent.