As we prepare to enter Lent this year, the Parish Renewal Team within the Sydney Centre for Evangelisation is delighted to release their new Lenten Companion, themed around the powerful words of Jesus at the Last Supper: “This is my body, given for you.”
“Taken from the words of consecration in the Mass, this theme invites us to enter more deeply into the mystery of the Eucharist and Christ’s self-giving love, this Lent,” said Parish Renewal Team officer, Helen Wagner, who has overseen its creation since 2021 when it was first introduced by the Sydney Centre for Evangelisation.
“This booklet is meant to journey with you, to help you pray with the Sunday Gospel, to provide questions that open your heart to Jesus,” said Helen.
One of the great strengths of this companion is its wide accessibility, she said.
“It’s written to be approachable for those of deep faith or little faith. It doesn’t demand expertise, fluency in theology, or perfect holiness. It simply offers a gentle, structured way to encounter Jesus in His Word. It’s Ideal for families, small Lenten groups or parish faith-sharing communities,” she said.
Olivia Rimac, 24, has used the companion with her Lenten group for two years. “I host a weekly group of 15 young women, and together we read, pray, and have meaningful conversations using the Lenten Companion. It has brought us incredibly close, as we have been able to learn, pray, and bond with one another while exploring questions we may never have thought to ask before.”
She believes it has helped deepen her relationship with God, enabling her to know him more intimately. “It has provided me with greater clarity, understanding, and direction throughout Lent. Additionally, my friends and I have been able to bond through the Lenten Companion, grow together on this journey, and witness one another blossom and grow in faith.”
Beyond personal and parish use, the Lenten Companion is also a gentle but powerful tool for evangelisation.
“Give a copy to a neighbour or friend who’s curious about faith,” said Helen.
“In doing so, you are literally putting Scripture into people’s hands, people who may never otherwise pick up a Bible or enter a church, yet who are deeply thirsty for the Word of God.”
Olivia encourages anyone wanting to deepen their relationship with God this Easter to pick up a copy.
“I would highly encourage Catholics of all ages to incorporate the Lenten Companion into their Lenten journey. Once a week during Lent, you can read the Gospel and reflection either individually, as a family, or within a group. It creates space for prayer, conversation, and reflection, and truly adds joy, depth, and understanding to the Easter season,” she said.
This Lent, don’t walk alone. Take up the Lenten Companion and let it lead you closer to Jesus’ truly present body given for you.
