Dear ,

Once again we hear the prophet Joel calling us to a conversion of heart as we begin this Season of Lent. "Even now," says the Lord, "even now return to me with your whole heart. Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the Lord, your God." (Joel 2, 12-13)

As individuals, as provinces and as a congregation, we seek to return to the Lord, our God. We are in need of God's grace and healing power even as we seek to bring that grace and healing power to our world. We desire to be prophets of love and servants of reconciliation to a world which hungers for justice and peace &endash; yet we ourselves are in need of prophets of love and servants of reconciliation to reach out to us, to help us experience God's mercy and peace.

Let us pray for each other, that this Season of Lent may be a time of renewal and grace for ourselves, our provinces and the congregation. For many years, the US SCJ vocation office has asked each professed member and candidate to remember in a special way the needs of another member or candidate during this Season of Lent. This year, the vocation offices of all three North American provinces are joining in this effort of encouraging prayer for each other. We ask that, throughout this season of Lent you remember the intentions of _______ in a special way. We have asked him to pray for you and your intentions as well.

Enclosed, you will find God's Love in Good Times & Bad by Isaias Powers, CP, a series of daily Lenten meditations. We hope that you will find this booklet to be helpful for your prayer and meditation during this season.

We thank God for you and for your vocation. We pray for you, and ask that you pray for us. May this Season of Lent be filled with blessings and grace for each one of us. May Easter find us with renewed hearts and spirits, praising God for the wonders he has done in our lives and in our world.

Sincerely yours,

Jack Kurps, scj Pat Lloyd, scj Maurice Légaré, scj Paul Tennyson, scj

US US CG CA