WEEK ONE

ASH WEDNESDAY - Wednesday, February 25
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. – Psalm 119:105

With your help, ECCS brings God's life-changing message of hope to more than 60,000 men, women, children, and families each year in the Diocese of Chicago.

SECOND DAY OF LENT - Thursday, February 26
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. – John 14:27

Unlike with many mental health providers, clients of Cathedral Counseling Center - an ECCS partner agency - pay a fee they can afford and receive treatment for as long as they need it.

THIRD DAY OF LENT - Friday, February 27
Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning. – Psalm 30:5

Bishop Anderson House's pastoral counseling comforts patients and families at seven major
medical centers.

FOURTH DAY OF LENT - Saturday, February 28
Learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed; defend the orphan, plead for the widow. – Isaiah 1:17

Many of the children served by Lawrence Hall Youth Services - ECCS' oldest and largest partner agency - have endured physical, sexual, and/or emotional abuse and neglect, and the influence of poverty, drugs, gangs, and violence.

FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT - Sunday, March 1
”I myself do nothing. The Holy Spirit accomplishes all through me.” – William Blake [1757-1827]

Thank you for your partnership with Episcopal Charities as, together, we participate in God’s work of transforming lives across the Diocese of Chicago. Your prayers, volunteer service, and financial gifts help make this work possible.

WEEK TWO

FIFTH DAY OF LENT - Monday, March 2
Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God… – 1 John 4:7

Cathedral Shelter, an ECCS partner agency, is Illinois’ only recovery program that welcomes parents
with children.

SIXTH DAY OF LENT - Tuesday, March 3
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me...to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners. – Isaiah 61:1

At the Michael Barlow Employment Center, St. Leonard’s Ministries’ professionals help formerly incarcerated men acquire the job skills they need to succeed.

SEVENTH DAY OF LENT - Wednesday, March 4
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. – Psalm 23:4

St. Gregory's Episcopal School provides a quality and affordable education for boys from low-income families; the school depends on charitable donations for 100% of its income.

EIGHTH DAY OF LENT - Thursday, March 5
No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. – John 15:13

Ravenswood Community Services, ECCS’ newest partner agency, started when concerned members of
All Saints Episcopal Church (Chicago) began providing groceries to their neighbors in need.

NINTH DAY OF LENT - Friday, March 6
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
– Philippians 4:7

Primo Center for Women and Children is a safe haven on Chicago’s west side for homeless women and their children, providing the support and resources they need to live independently.

TENTH DAY OF LENT - Saturday, March 7
Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. – Matthew 11:28

More than 80% of the high school students served by Youth Guidance graduate, against a citywide average of less than 60%.

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT – Sunday, March 8
Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways… (BCP p.218)

100% of every dollar donated to Episcopal Charities and Community Services is used to advance its programs and the work of its partner agencies; administrative and fundraising expenses are paid for from investment income.

WEEK THREE

ELEVENTH DAY OF LENT - Monday, March 9
The Lord will keep you from all evil; He will keep your life. – Psalm 121:7

St. Mary's Services provides compassionate support and effective answers to help women face the many challenges associated with unplanned pregnancy.

TWELFTH DAY OF LENT - Tuesday, March 10
Give us each day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins... – Luke 11:3-4

The Church Home’s ministry to seniors at Montgomery Place is a response to Jesus’ call to care for those who may be forgotten or who live on the margins of society.

THIRTEENTH DAY OF LENT - Wednesday, March 11
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. – Psalm 46:1

Shelter Care Ministries is Rockford's largest provider of services to the city's homeless men, women, and children, many of whom suffer from mental illness.

FOURTEENTH DAY OF LENT - Thursday, March 12
...What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? – Micah 6:8

Episcopal Charities' $1,000,000 interest-free loan to the Ezra Community Homes project resulted in nearly 100 affordable homes being built in Chicago’s north Lawndale neighborhood for working families, some who earn less than $20,000 per year.

FIFTEENTH DAY OF LENT - Friday, March 13
...Here I am; send me! – Isaiah 6:8

Cathedral Counseling Center provides high-quality, yet affordable, therapy to people who are either underinsured or uninsured.

SIXTEENTH DAY OF LENT - Saturday, March 14
Trust in the Lord forever, for in the Lord God you have an everlasting rock. – Isaiah 26:4

Bishop Anderson House trains lay chaplains and provides in-service training for medical professionals.

THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT – Sunday, March 15
Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves... (BCP p.218)

In addition to granting nearly $643,000 of unrestricted funding to its partner agencies, Episcopal Charities also helps them build stronger governing boards, improve their fundraising, and better use technology to help them fulfill their life-changing missions.

WEEK FOUR

SEVENTEENTH DAY OF LENT - Monday, March 16
"He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. Is that not what it means to know me?" declares the Lord. – Jeremiah 22:16

Lawrence Hall Youth Services - an ECCS partner agency - helps young adults from abusive homes break generational cycles of violence, creating new lives of safety, peace, and hope.

EIGHTEENTH DAY OF LENT - Tuesday, March 17
...'Truly, I tell you, just as you did it to one of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.' – Matthew 25:40

Cathedral Shelter provides food and basic assistance to nearly 10,000 families - some homeless - on Chicago's west side.

NINTEENTH DAY OF LENT - Wednesday, March 18
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. – Hebrews 11:1

St. Leonard's Ministries provide their clients with the vast array of skills they need to successfully live independently again, after their release from prison.

TWENTIETH DAY OF LENT - Thursday, March 19
And live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. – Ephesians 5:2

St. Gregory Episcopal School is a beacon of hope for its students from low-income families who receive a high-quality, faith-based education, preparing them for the future.

TWENTY-FIRST DAY OF LENT - Friday, March 20
...I came that they might have life, and have it abundantly. – John 10:10

Many volunteers help Ravenswood Community Services fulfill its ministry to the poor. This is ECCS' newest partner agency, built on the passion, concern, and hard work of members of All Saints Episcopal Church (Chicago).

TWENTY-SECOND DAY OF LENT - Saturday, March 21
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. – Matthew 6:21

Primo Center for Women and Children faithfully has served women and families in Chicago's Austin neighborhood for more than 25 years.

FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT – Sunday, March 22
Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world. (BCP p.219)

Episcopal Charities and Community Services offers many opportunities to volunteer through the work of its partner agencies as well as its own ministries. Pray this Lenten season to see if God is calling you to become personally involved in this life-changing work in our Diocese.

WEEK FIVE

TWENTY-THIRD DAY OF LENT - Monday, March 23
For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. – 2 Timothy 1:7

Youth Guidance - one of Episcopal Charities' oldest partner agencies - trains high school principals, counselors, teachers, and parents to help disadvantaged students graduate, and then succeed in college.

TWENTY-FOURTH DAY OF LENT - Tuesday, March 24
The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing. – Zephaniah 3:17

St. Mary's Services facilitates international adoptions by collaborating with agencies operating programs in Russia, China, Guatemala, and other countries.

TWENTY-FIFTH DAY OF LENT - Wednesday, March 25
I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness. – John 12:46

The staff of Church Home provides comfort, spiritual counseling, and support for residents of Montgomery Place.

TWENTY-SIXTH DAY OF LENT - Thursday, March 26
Serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. – 1 Peter 4:10

Shelter Care Ministries provides both short- and long-term services to Rockford's homeless women, men, children, and families, including transitional housing.

TWENTY-SEVENTH DAY OF LENT - Friday, March 27
Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." – John 6:68

Cathedral Counseling Center professional therapists are licensed with the most advanced training
and certification.

TWENTY-EIGHTH DAY OF LENT - Saturday, March 28
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; in you I trust, O my God... – Psalm 25:1-2

Bishop Anderson House's All Angels Guild of the Deaf is Illinois' oldest ministry with the community of deaf senior citizens, providing fellowship, services, meals, and support.

FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT - Sunday, March 29
Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise. (BCP p.219)

Just one gift to Episcopal Charities makes possible many responses to some of today's most important social issues, including homelessness, mental health, education, hunger, chronic unemployment, child abuse, addictions, and others. Thank you for your gifts, prayers, and volunteer service that make this ministry possible.

WEEK SIX

TWENTY-NINTH DAY OF LENT - Monday, March 30
For you know it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.
– 1 Peter 1:18-19

Lawrence Hall Youth Services - ECCS' oldest and largest partner agency - helps hundreds of boys and girls who have been removed from their homes overcome the devastating effect of violence in their lives.

THIRTIETH DAY OF LENT - Tuesday, March 31
Who will separate us from the love of Christ?... – Romans 8:35

The outpouring of Christian compassion by scores of volunteers makes it possible for Cathedral Shelter's Christmas basket program to bring food, clothing, and hope to thousands of homeless women, men, children, and families.

THIRTY-FIRST DAY OF LENT - Wednesday, April 1
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. – Ephesians 5:1

St. Leonard's Ministries' Grace House surrounds formerly incarcerated women with the services - and support - they need to rebuild their lives.

THIRTY-SECOND DAY OF LENT - Thursday, April 2
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
– Psalm 27:1

Ravenswood Community Services - ECCS' newest partner agency - is a tribute to the profound witness one parish can have in their community simply by helping meet the needs of their neighbors.

THIRTY-THIRD DAY OF LENT - Friday, April 3
If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.
– 1 Corinthians 12:26

The Primo Center for Women & Children Renaissance Project is transforming their campus on Chicago's west side to better serve disadvantaged women and their children.

THIRTY-FOURTH DAY OF LENT - Saturday, April 4
...if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. – 2 Chronicles 7:14

Students at St. Gregory Episcopal School receive the support, skills, and spiritual guidance they need to succeed in high school and college as they seek to discover and fulfill God's purpose for their life.

PALM SUNDAY – Sunday, April 5
Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection. (BCP p.219)

Episcopal Charities and Community Services fulfills its mission of transforming lives through your financial gifts, prayers, and volunteer service. Together, with God's grace, we will bring a powerful, life-changing message of hope to more than 50,000 women, men, children, and families across the Diocese of Chicago. Thank you for helping make this ministry possible.

HOLY WEEK

THIRTY-FIFTH DAY OF LENT - Monday, April 6
And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three: and the greatest of these is love. – 1 Corinthians 13:13

Youth Guidance - an ECCS partner agency - helps develop Chicago Public Schools as centers of community where extra-curricular activities reinforce academic programs and where families participate in the programs they help design.

THIRTY-SIXTH DAY OF LENT - Tuesday, April 7
In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.
– 1 John 4:10

St. Mary's Services continues to work with birth mothers and adoptive parents after placement of a child to support and encourage them.

THIRTY-SEVENTH DAY OF LENT - Wednesday, April 8
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end. – Lamentations 3:22

Shelter Care Ministries (Rockford, IL) is a leading advocate for affordable housing on behalf of 43% of Winnebago County families who do not have the financial means to rent a 2-bedroom apartment.

THIRTY-EIGHTH DAY OF LENT - Thursday, April 9
...may your will be done. – Matthew 26:42

An ECCS New Ventures grant to Lake County United is helping Waukegan’s citizens provide effective educational alternatives to public schools that are struggling to adequately prepare its students for success in college.

THIRTY-NINTH DAY OF LENT - Good Friday, April 10
He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. – 1 Peter 2:24

As a faith-based ministry, Episcopal Charities and Community Services shares the Good News of God's reconciling love for all people through the works God has called and prepared us to do [Ephesians 2:10]. Diocesan and ECCS offices are closed today in observance of Good Friday.

FORTIETH DAY OF LENT - Saturday, April 11
Now to him who is able to keep you from falling, and to make you stand without blemish in the presence of his glory with rejoicing, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. – Jude 1:24-25

Since 1960, Episcopal Charities and Community Services has brought a message of hope to thousands of people across the Diocese of Chicago on behalf of each person and each congregation who supports this ministry through their financial gifts, prayers, and volunteer commitment.

EASTER SUNDAY – Sunday, April 12
Jesus said to her, "I AM THE RESURRECTION and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" – John 11:25-26

Thank you for allowing Episcopal Charities and Community Services to help you keep Lent as a sacred season of prayer, devotion, and sacrifice. May God bless you abundantly throughout this Easter season.