Hey there,
Of the three pillars of Lent — prayer, fasting, and almsgiving — it’s the latter that gets the least amount of attention.
Truly understanding what it’s all about is something I’ve taken for granted over the years. So before this Lent ended, I wanted to focus our attention on this important Lenten activity.
Monetary donations are typically associated with almsgiving, but it also includes donating goods and doing good deeds for others.
Have you ever considered why we give alms? The benefits for the recipients are obvious. But what does almsgiving mean and do for us?
You’ll see below it does a lot!
This week’s issue of Genuflect takes a close look at what almsgiving is, how we benefit, how to do it, suggested rules to follow, ideas for this Lent, and how to give alms as a family.
I pray all of our almsgiving efforts will be even more enhanced for the final week and a half of Lent … and even as we continue to give alms throughout the year.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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On Giving Alms
St. Thomas offers guidance on almsgiving as works of mercy and addresses several questions about our obligation to give to those in need, what the spiritual results are, and why we’re bound to give away our surplus.
A Short Catechism on Almsgiving | One Peter Five
Almsgiving as Sacrifice
Almsgiving is giving to the poor, whether it’s money, goods,or deeds. Dr. Brant Pitre explains that God considers it a sacrifice and as such it can cleanse us of our sins. Here’s how.
Almsgiving and Atonement for Sin | Catholic Productions
Barriers to Almsgiving
We may be hesitant to give alms thinking that handouts only encourage beggars to keep begging. Or that the recipient may waste the gift. Brendan Gottschall dispels both of these and explains how almsgiving helps us grow in our own humanity.
Becoming More Human Through Almsgiving | Catholic Philly
Almsgiving 101
Here’s a beginner’s guide on almsgiving for those who aren’t quite sure where to begin. Start here!
What is Almsgiving And How to Do it | Grotto
8 Rules For Almsgiving
If you’re interested in digging a little deeper into almsgiving, check out these 8 rules for almsgiving from Saint Ignatius. He helps us understand the methods to discern how we should approach our possessions.
Chapter Eight: Rules For The Distribution of Alms | My Catholic Life
3 Ways to Give Alms
If you need some inspiration for your Lenten almsgiving, you’ll want to check out this article. Michael Best offers three ideas to get your almsgiving creativity flowing.
3 Ways to Give Alms During Lent | Aleteia
Family Almsgiving
Our children learn from us at home. So what better way to teach them about almsgiving than practicing it together as a family? Here are 3 great ideas from teacher turned stay at home Catholic mom, Sara J.
Almsgiving Ideas to do as a Family | Sara J Creations
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