We were heartened to see that so many of you embraced Acts of Kindness, our parish-wide initiative to reflect the heart of Jesus through simple, everyday acts of kindness. There are many pebbles on the parish display representing all kindness you’ve shown to others on our journey through Lent. If you get a moment over the coming days, we recommend you stop by St Joseph’s Church and take a look.
Walk the Lenten path with courage and tenderness
Pope Leo XIV
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We invite you all to accompany us on our Journey Through Lent, by getting involved in Acts of Kindness. This is our parish-wide initiative to reflect the heart of Jesus through simple, everyday acts of kindness. As we follow the path from Ash Wednesday to Calvary, we will have a different theme each week and will share ideas on how to practice kindness, generosity and service, along with a related quote from scripture and a simple prayer.
Week 5: GROWING IN GRATITUDE AND FAITH
Say a prayer for someone who is hurting.
Read: Psalm 34:18
Help make dinner and serve it with a smile.
Read: Matthew 20:28
Listen to someone without interrupting.
Read: James 1:19
Make a list of things you are grateful for and share it at dinner.
Read: Psalm 107:1
Donate pet food to an animal rescue or a tin of food to a supermarket collection for the needy.
Read: Genesis 1:26
Leave an uplifting note in a library book for the next reader.
Read: 1 Peter 4:10
Pray together as a family and thank God for all the ways you’ve shared kindness this Lent!
Read: Colossians 3:17
Final Prayer
Lord, thank You for showing us how to love others. Help us to keep sharing kindness beyond Lent. Amen.
Kindness is my only guiding star.
St Thérèse of Lisieux
Week 4: SHARING JOY AND ENCOURAGEMENT
Tell someone you love them.
Read: 1 John 4:19
Take some post-it notes from the alcove, write encouraging messages on them and distribute them this week to encourage others.
Read: Hebrews 10:24
Hold the door open for as many people as possible today.
Read: Luke 6:31
Read a Bible story to a younger sibling or friend.
Read: Psalm 119:105
Call a grandparent, older relative or someone who lives alone, just to say hello.
Read: Proverbs 17:6
Donate toys and clothes you no longer use.
Read: 2 Corinthians 9:7
Make a homemade card for someone in the hospital or a nursing home.
Read: Psalm 147:3
Simple Prayer
Lord, may our words and actions bring joy to others. Amen.
Week 3: LOVING OUR NEIGHBOURS
Eat simply and give generously to CAFOD so another family can put food on their table.
Read: Galatians 5:14
Help a neighbour putting out or bringing in their rubbish bin after collection day.
Read: Philippians 2:4
Offer to help for an hour with gardening for our church – please see Fr John.
Read: Isaiah 58:10
Compliment a friend (on something more than their appearance).
Read: Ephesians 4:29
Write an encouraging message to a friend who is struggling at school/work.
Read: Matthew 5:16
Send someone a letter or card in the post.
Read: Colossians 3:12
Create kindness rocks and bring them to church to put on our Lenten path.
Read: Romans 12:10
Simple Prayer
Jesus, help us love our neighbours the way you love us. Amen.
Week 2: BEING A LIGHT IN THE WORLD
Choose to smile or offer a kind word when a situation is frustrating, rather than complaining.
Read: Philippians 2:14
Pick up litter around your local area or in a park.
Read: Genesis 2:15
Use your words to build someone up or say something kind to someone who looks sad today.
Read: Proverbs 12:25
Let someone else go first in line in the coffee shop or on the swings.
Read: Mark 9:35
Help clean up after a meal, even if it’s not your mess.
Read: Galatians 6:2
Offer to pray for a friend who is having a tough time.
Read: James 5:16
Bake cakes or biscuits and take them to the London Run on Monday to be sent up to the homeless.
Read: Luke 10:27
Simple Prayer
Jesus, help us be a light for others through kindness and love. Amen.
Week 1: SERVING THOSE IN NEED
Pack a bag of sandwiches or take a bunch of bananas to the First Committee Room by 12 noon for the London Run.
Read: Proverbs 22:9
Donate some money to the Xaverian Fathers (click here to donate online) for their missionary work around the world.
Read: Matthew 25:40
Check in with someone who is lonely (and/or send them a card).
Read: James 1:27
Write a surprise thank-you note to a teacher or coach.
Read: 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Take some books you no longer use to a charity shop in Chalfont St Peter/Gerrards Cross.
Read: Proverbs 16:24
Organise a cake sale at work/school to raise funds for CAFOD.
Read: Luke 3:11
Deliver towels and/or blankets to a local animal shelter.
Read: Psalm 36:6
Simple Prayer
God, help us see the needs of others and serve them with love. Amen.