Today marks the fourth Sunday of Lent. This time is a period of preparation for the celebration of Easter, marked by rituals such as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults scrutinies and the examination for confirmation, which prepare catechumens to receive the sacraments of initiation. Last week, parishes on Hong Kong Island are conducting the examination and anointing, while those in Kowloon and the New Territories will do so this week and the week after. The Lenten liturgy also allows the faithful to prepare for the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus by recalling their own baptism and preparing through prayer, repentance, and reconciliation.
During Lent, the Church encourages us to engage in charitable services and participate in the Stations of the Cross held Fridays to help us meditate on the suffering and redemption of Jesus Christ. In fact, charitable work for vulnerable communities is not limited to Lent.
Of Hong Kong’s the 52 parishes, more than half have established social concern groups, while those without them promote charitable work through organisations like the Salesians of Don Bosco and other associations. Additionally, the St. Vincent de Paul Society and other organisations hold festive gatherings for vulnerable families, while the Franciscans provide meals and organise “Francis Kitchens” for the elderly or financially disadvantaged. The Church’s care for the community has been continuous.
The main Parish Social Concern Support Groups [Support Groups] is assisting parish social concern groups in various ways. Members of the support groups include the Catholic laity association, the Catholic Commission for Labour Affairs, Caritas-Hong Kong [Social Services Department, Regional Affairs], the Diocesan Pastoral Centre for Workers, the Diocesan Commission for Pastoral Development, the Diocesan Commission for Youth Pastoral Care, the Diocesan Commission for Pastoral Care for Marriage and the Family, as well as the Diocesan Catechetical Centre.
In March last year, the support groups launched a revised version of the “Parish Social Concern Group Guidelines,” introducing operational mechanisms and development suggestions beneficial to the long-term development of social concern groups in different areas. The guidelines, especially focusing on the key points of recent social teaching documents such as Laudato Si’, help social concern groups grasp Christian values and address concerns that parishioners may have regarding social issues.
The theme for Lent this year is “Journeying Together as Companions,” focusing on three main aspects: inclusion, mission, and participation. As a Church on a journey, we should broaden our horizons with a more inclusive and embracing attitude, while all God’s people should actively step out of their comfort zones to reach out to brothers and sisters in the community to spread the good news of God’s salvation.
Let us engage in spiritual conversations to discern and build a community of listening and sharing. Let adults, seniors, and youth learn to respect and empathise with one another, building trust within the community and preparing themselves psychologically to embrace change as we approach Easter. SE
