WASHINGTON, D.C. — As Catholics around the country prepare for Easter with 40 days of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) hosted a Lenten Mass for Catholic members of Congress on Thursday, March 5. The liturgy offered elected officials of both parties and Catholic Charities leaders an opportunity to come together in prayer and reflect on how their shared faith calls on them to serve those in need.
The Mass took place at St. Peter’s on Capitol Hill, a Catholic parish just blocks from the U.S. Capitol, thanks to the generosity of Fr. Daniel Carson and his pastoral team. Rep. Michael Lawler (R-NY) and Rep. James McGovern (D-MA) served as co-hosts along with CCUSA.
At the conclusion of Mass, CCUSA President and CEO Kerry Alys Robinson offered brief remarks. She thanked the assembled members of Congress for their public service and reminded them that Catholic Charities agencies in their districts and states are eager to partner with them to better the lives of those most in need.
“All of us, public servants and Catholic Charities service providers, bear witness to great suffering in our world. The suffering of hungry children. Of those needing warm and safe shelter. Of immigrants and refugees yearning for a brighter future for their families. We are daily mindful of the ravages of war and famine and violent, hateful rhetoric,” Robinson said. “But, as Catholics, we also know what follows Lent’s 40 days of suffering: 50 days of Easter. We are a Paschal people. We know that out of suffering and death comes new life. We are people of hope.”
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