Pastoral Reflection for the 3rd Sunday of Lent, March 23, 2025, Year C
Many parishes engaged in the OCIA (formerly the RCIA) may use the Year A readings to prepare candidates for Baptism and the Reception into Full Communion. Though the Gospel reading from Luke today and the story of the Woman at the Well in John’s Gospel are quite distinct, we might yet find a commonality. The Samaritan Woman is, perhaps, like the fig tree found barren but properly cared for and fertilized, can bear fruit! So, too, our own spiritual lives may seem barren, or we may think we have misfortunes because of our sins. Yet our sins are not more significant than others, and as the Psalm says, “The Lord is Kind and Merciful.” It is that quality of mercy from God toward us that is like the gardener attending to the barren fig tree. We may yet bear fruit we are unaware of in our lives right now! This is the Holy Year of Hope! Let the virtue of Hope fertilize the roots of your spirit and renew you. Finally, become a source of hope for others by the witness of your life as the Samaritan Woman did in her town.
Call to Action
Use your GC Smart Text capabilities to send a message encouraging hope to your parishioners during the week. They’ll appreciate it. Remind your parishioners that they can use your GC text phone number or the QR code on your Pew Engagement Cards to make a prayer request or a Lenten donation.
GiveCentral now offers the option of using Digital Wallets for those who want to donate using Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, or Venmo on their phones. For more information about GiveCentral and Digital Wallets, see GC Digital Wallets.
Join Teresa Meyer for an informative and useful Webinar on Wednesday, March 26th, at 10 AM CDT on Enhancing Your Lent and Easter Giving. Discover how GC SmartGive can assist you with enhancing your giving and engagement during the Lent and Easter Seasons. Register here! Engagement and Giving Webinar.
GiveCentral recognizes the challenge of donor retention, with a significant percentage of donors potentially lapsing after their initial contributions. To address this, GiveCentral’s Bridget Daly will host a Webinar on Wednesday, April 9th at 10 AM Central Time. Attending this webinar will provide you with actionable insights into increasing donor retention and cultivating lasting relationships with your supporters. Look for our upcoming invitation, or reserve your spot now! Reserve Your Spot!
As Easter approaches, we know how important it is to make giving as seamless and accessible as possible for your parishioners. That’s why we’re excited to introduce GiveCentral’s SmartStickers—a simple and effective way to encourage generosity right from the pews! We encourage you to place them in pews and high-traffic areas this Easter to provide an easy, tech-friendly way for your parishioners to give. If you’d like to order stickers in time for Easter, please let us know—we’d be happy to assist! You can request GC SmartStickers from Teresa Meyer at teresa@givecentral.org.
donor management software GiveCentral nonprofit fundraising Text to Donate
Last modified: March 19, 2025
