Lent starts

Lent begins on Wednesday and, in years gone by, this is the time when youngsters were encouraged to put away their chocolates and sweets until Easter Sunday. 'Giving up something for Lent' was a strong, and very effective habit-forming, tradition and it is still is today.

As the youngsters grew up, though, the idea of 'doing something for Lent' was introduced and many good works, that would not normally have been part of the day, were started. Many times these new good habits stayed for the rest of the year and beyond.

Are you thinking of what to do to mark Lent? Researching the four pillars of the SVP is a great start and will lead you on to an incredible journey of new ideas, all culminating in the one truth that we are all brothers and sisters and must look after each other. Starting each day by pondering, and then practicing this, might be an idea worth considering?

Finally, as always, please remain aware of need around us and just let us know if you think the SVP can help. We'll always do our best.

God Bless.