“Practicing Catholic” radio show host Patrick Conley recalled a recent column in The Catholic Spirit by Kate Soucheray, in which she described an attitude toward Lent as a time simply to give something up.
As the two discussed that column for an episode of “Practicing Catholic” debuting at 9 p.m. Feb. 25 on Relevant Radio 1330 AM, Soucheray, a retired marriage and family therapist, suggested instead that adults give “the gift of self” during Lent, and focus on “growing ourselves as adults.”
Kate Soucheray
Deciding to focus on becoming better at something could entail focusing on virtues such as prudence, faith, hope and love, she said.
Focusing on becoming a better person during Lent also can help Catholics grow in their faith for the “entire year,” not just the Lenten season, Soucheray said.
The opportunity of Lent, Soucheray said, is not “I’m going to give up candy” or “I’m going to give up Coke,” but about people giving their lives to God.
“We open our hands and we allow him to mold us,” she said. And Catholics have a special Lenten season of 40 days to practice this, she said.
Lent is a time to “push the pause button,” step back and simplify, she said. Offer a prayer such as “Lord, what would you like me to do? What are you asking of me? And then just listen,” she said.
Referencing the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Soucheray said the virtuous person tends toward the good with sensory and spiritual powers. “He pursues the good and chooses it in concrete action,” she said.
To hear the full interview, listen to this episode of “Practicing Catholic,” which also airs on Relevant Radio at 1 p.m. Feb. 26 and 2 p.m. Feb. 27.
Produced by Relevant Radio and the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, the latest show also includes interviews with Tizoc Rosales, president of the Catholic Services Appeal Foundation, who discusses the importance of helping local Church ministries; and Father Michael Van Sloun, who describes symbols and meaning of Ash Wednesday.
Listen to all of the interviews after they have aired at
soundcloud.com/PracticingCatholic
tinyurl.com/PracticingCatholic?(Spotify)
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