Trócaire’s Lent 2021 campaign

 

 

“Here are my hands, hold them. Please don’t leave South Sudan alone. We need your prayers. We need your support. We need your love.” Fr. James Oyet Latansio, South Sudan Council of Churches.

Trócaire’s Lenten campaign for 2021 tells the stories of two families in South Sudan whose lives have been impacted by conflict. Awut and Ajak are shining examples of resilience, friendship and solidarity. This Lent we hear not only about the enormous challenges they have faced, but also about how they support each other through these challenges.  

Due to the ongoing challenges of Covid-19, Trócaire has developed a variety of resources for use in your parish and that will support you in raising awareness about the Lent 2021 campaign: 

1. Resources 

The below resources focus on the stories and voices of families and communities with whom Trócaire works, and looks at how our faith calls us to act for justice. We also hear from one of Trócaire’s partners, the South Sudan Council of Churches, and learn about the role that the Christian churches are playing in working for peace in South Sudan. We encourage you to use these resources during Mass, at your Parish Council meeting, Liturgy Group or with any other active parish group. All resources are available on the Trócaire website. The below are available in English and Irish: 

You will also find the following resources on the website that you can use during mass to inform your congregation about the Lent campaign: 

2. Awareness raising 

Furthermore, please find below some other ways that you can raise awareness about the 2021 Lent campaign: 

To provide ongoing support to you throughout Lent, you will also receive a short email from Trócaire on three occasions during Lent, containing prayers and reflections which can be used during Mass. 

3. Box distribution 

You will also have received information recently about your Trócaire boxes. We want to support you as much as possible during the ongoing challenges of Covid-19. We have compiled some simple ideas about ways in which your parishioners could collect their boxes, mindful of safety and well-being being of the utmost importance as well as compliance with current government guidelines. 

4. UK Aid Match

This year, the Lent campaign is part of UK Aid Match, meaning public donations* given between 17 February 2021 and 16 May 2021 will be doubled by the UK government, up to £2m. Furthermore, if a donor signs up for a monthly gift, or increases their monthly gift, before the 16th of May 2021, up to three of their instalments will be matched! We will be able to support thousands of people in South Sudan to grow enough food to feed their families. Don’t’ forget that donations will only be matched up until the 16th May.

5. Lent online workshops 

Finally, we want to make you aware of a series of online workshops that Trócaire will be delivering during Lent. These workshops are open to all, and you can find out more and sign up here.

The Mass script is available online for your use. If you are interested in hearing from a Trócaire staff member or volunteer for a mass talk or workshop, please contact colm.hogan@trocaire.org (ROI) or  [email protected] (NI). We will do our best to accommodate your request. You should also have received a large Trócaire box for display in your church.  

This past year has brought many challenges to parishes and communities around Ireland, and the impact of Covid-19 continues to be felt by many. We are continually humbled by and grateful for the generosity shown by you and your parishioners. Now more than ever, families like Awut and Ajak’s need our compassion and our support as they continue to carry their immense burdens with dignity.