The 2023 Lenten season begins Ash Wednesday (Feb. 22) and continues through sundown on Holy Thursday (April 6).  

The USCCB has published various resources, including a daily reflection calendar, to assist in a fruitful observance of Lent when Catholics are called to recognize the link to baptismal renewal. Many know of the tradition of abstaining from meat on Fridays during Lent, but we are also called to practice self-discipline and fast in other ways throughout the season. 

There are prayers, videos, and other guides to help all, regardless of the current state of faith. Visit the USCCB for more. 

In Sacramento, Bishop Soto will distribute ashes on the State Capitol's south steps at 8:30 am. Click here for more. 

CRS Rice Bowl is another way Catholics can enhance their Lenten fasting practice by giving up meals and donating the cost of those meals to Catholic Relief Services to help those who do not have enough to eat.

Each year, Lenten alms donated through CRS Rice Bowl support the work of CRS in roughly 45 different countries 25 percent of all donations to CRS Rice Bowl stay in the local diocese, supporting hunger and poverty alleviation efforts. Since its inception in 1975, CRS Rice Bowl has raised nearly $300 million. 

Click here to order materials for CRS Rice Bowl in both English and Spanish. 

Bishop Joseph V. Brennan, 68, has led the Diocese of Fresno since 2019. He was born in Van Nuys, California, the son of a grocer and the ninth of 10 children (he has a twin brother) in a Catholic home. He was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in 1980. He served in a variety of parishes and roles within the archdiocese, and was named an auxiliary bishop in 2015. The Diocese of Fresno is in central California and serves more than two million Catholics with 187 priests in 87 parishes.

Bishop Brennan recently spoke with CWR about his background and diocese, Eucharistic revival, as well as Spirit Filled Hearts Ministry’s “I Thirst Fresno”, which will be coming to the diocese March 18.

CWR: What was it like growing up in Van Nuys?

Bishop Brennan: It was a great place to grow up. We were located in the middle of the San Fernando Valley, and at the time, we were surrounded by remnants of our agricultural past. There were still vacant lots, unincorporated areas and old barns in which we were told not to play (of course, we did play in them). My mom and dad provided my nine brothers and sisters and I a stable, loving home, sadly, something many children don’t have today. It was a refuge for us kids; we were enveloped by goodness and discipline.

The California Catholic Conference is seeking a Restorative Justice Intern to assist with several policy issues. Responsibilities include project monitoring, letter and article writing, parish education and outreach, research, and relationship building.

The paid internship is 24 weeks long at $14 per hour/16 hours per week.

The position is located at the CCC offices in Sacramento, and parking is provided.

For more information and to learn how to apply, contact [email protected]. 

In 2017, Catholic Charities of California began offering pilgrimages to raise additional funding to support our statewide programs. It is now offering walking pilgrimages in Spain and Portugal in 2023!

Sign-up for one of the pilgrimage dates or organize a parish group or a group of friends. For every 15 people to sign up for any pilgrimage, the 16th person goes free. A great way to invite your parish priest or deacon to accompany your group, or everyone can enjoy a small discount!

Learn more at cccpilgrimages.com.