# Pausing to Pray: Lenten Meditations for Busy People
*2018-02-19*

> Bill Young shares updates on recent ministry events and introduces the new Lenten meditation book “Pausing to Pray,” focusing on the theme “Starting Over in Christ.” He offers a brief reflection on Noah’s story as a model for renewal during Lent.

## Recent Ministry Highlights

I had a busy weekend visiting Orlando, staying with my son and meeting Fr. Michael Gaitley, who authored *33 Days in Morning Glory* and *33 Days of Merciful Love*. He’s a Marian priest helping us on the path to sainthood. On Sunday we participated in a Legion of Mary recruitment drive in St. David’s, Florida, where we distributed over 80 rosaries to families with young children, encouraging them to begin praying the Rosary early.

## Upcoming Spiritual Projects

We are preparing two “Do‑It‑Yourself” retreats. The first, *33 Days in Morning Glory*, will culminate on May 13, the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima. The second, *33 Days of Merciful Love*, is aimed at consecration on Divine Mercy Sunday (April 7 this year). Meetings will begin on Friday, March 2, giving participants a few extra days to complete the retreat before the feast.

Additionally, I’ve acquired a DVD set titled *The Second Greatest Story Ever Told*, which contains ten episodes. We hope to organize a weekly viewing group within our community.

## Introducing “Pausing to Pray”

At a recent conference I discovered a new Lenten resource: *Pausing to Pray – Lenten Meditations for Busy People*. The book draws on the diary of St. Faustina and includes meditations by Fr. Joseph Rochiew. We will be using it for the first Sunday and Monday of Lent, focusing on the theme “Starting Over in Christ.”

The opening meditation reflects on Noah’s story as a hopeful example for anyone forced to rebuild a life after loss—whether it be a broken relationship, a failed business, or a demolished home. Lent, with its ashes and promise of resurrection, is the perfect season for such renewal.

## Today's Meditation

Fr. Joseph Rochiew’s meditation reads:

“Tell sinners that no one shall escape my hand. If they run away from my merciful heart, they will fall into my just hands. I am always waiting for them, listening intently to the beating of their hearts.”

I prayed:

“Dear Jesus, it is hard to trust in your words; they seem too good to be true. I know I am a sinner and do not deserve your mercy. I have ignored you for so long. How can you wait for me? Help me, Lord, to trust, to change my ways, and to love you without fear. I trust in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

*Lent invites us to start over in Christ, trusting God’s mercy even when we feel unworthy.*