First Sunday of Lent

Welcome all to the First Sunday of Lent!

Our At-Home Retreat begins today! One advantage of an offering such as this is that you get to move at your own pace, finding your intentional quiet time to be with our Lord Jesus Christ. So whether you do this all in one sitting or space each section out throughout the day, I hope that you encounter our Savior in such a way that you grow ever closer to Him. Please, let's keep one another in prayer during this spiritual journey!  

Opening Prayer: Litany of St. Joseph

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, pray for us.
Saint Joseph, pray for us.
Noble Offspring of David, pray for us.
Light of Patriarchs, pray for us.
Spouse of the Mother of God, pray for us.
Chaste Guardian of the Virgin, pray for us.
Foster-Father of the Son of God, pray for us.
Zealous Defender of Christ, pray for us.
Head of the Holy Family, pray for us.
Joseph Most Just, pray for us.
Joseph Most Chaste, pray for us.
Joseph Most Prudent, pray for us.
Joseph Most Courageous, pray for us.
Joseph Most Obedient, pray for us.
Joseph Most Faithful, pray for us.
Mirror of Patience, pray for us.
Lover of Poverty, pray for us.
Model of Workmen, pray for us.
Glory of Domestic Life, pray for us.
Guardian of Virgins, pray for us.
Pillar of Families, pray for us.
Comfort of the Afflicted, pray for us.
Hope of the Sick, pray for us.
Patron of the Dying, pray for us.
Terror of Demons, pray for us.
Protector of the Holy Church, pray for us.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.
  
He has made him lord of his household, And prince over all his possessions. Let us pray. O God, who, in your loving providence, chose Blessed Joseph to be the spouse of your most Holy Mother, grant us the favor of having him for our intercessor in heaven whom on earth we venerate as our protector. You, who live and reign forever and ever. Amen.  

Gospel Reading: Mark 1:12-15 The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert, and he remained in the desert for forty days, tempted by Satan. He was among wild beasts, and the angels ministered to him. After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”  

Questions for Reflection (note - consider keeping a journal with your answers during the retreat):
1. Lent is referred to as a desert, in which we intentionally remove ourselves from some of the things of our life so that we can grow closer to Jesus Christ. In these initial days of Lent, how has your time in the desert gone? What is going well? What is not going well?  
2. How does your life announce the Kingdom of God to others during Lent?  

Activities: 1. Call a family member or friend that you haven't spoken to in a while and say hi and check in on how they are doing.
2. As a family, discuss one way this week that together you can serve a neighbor or friend. Be creative! Ideas could be to make them a meal, shovel their driveway, get their mail and include a nice card for them, etc.  

Closing Prayer: Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be