Three traditional disciplines of Lent are prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. In the previous two newsletters, we gave some ideas on practicing prayer and fasting in specific ways during Lent. In this newsletter we’d like to discuss almsgiving.

The Jewish people gave 1/10 of their income to God as a tithe. Continuing this practice as Christians is a good way to make sure that we are giving support to the Kingdom of God on earth. A general rule of thumb is to give 5% of the tithe to one’s parish and the other 5% to charity. The organizations chosen should promote nothing in opposition to Catholic teaching. So many organizations exist which need our help. Lent is a good time to select one or two to assist.

Since the Confraternity of Penitents is a nonprofit, tax-exempt Catholic organization, canonically approved by the Bishop of Fort Wayne – South Bend, Indiana, it qualifies as a suitable recipient of your charity. Should you wish to help the Confraternity of Penitents, you can do so through the Confraternity of Penitents Holy Angels Gift Shop website at cfpholyangels.com

A donation button is the last link in the left link column from cfpholyangels.com

If you want your donation to go to a specific purpose, consider sponsoring a section of fence which is dedicated to a specific saint. Information about this donation is on the Fence of Saints link from the left link column.

If you have a special devotion to the Blessed Mother, you may wish to donate the cost of a bead for a Rosary Walk. Information about this donation is on the Rosary Walk link from the left link column.

Whether or not you choose to donate to the Confraternity of Penitents during Lent, we hope that you will prayerfully consider giving alms to a worthy group at this holy time. The Lord assures us that those who give alms will be rewarded. May your reward be great!

God bless you, and happy rest of Lent!