Home/Stay Informed/All Diocesan Articles

All Diocesan Articles

Laugh, Think, Cry, and Pray — Reconnecting with Faith This Lent

Posted on February 25, 2025 in: Reflections, Lent

Laugh, Think, Cry, and Pray — Reconnecting with Faith This Lent

An Unforgettable Speech

I had the privilege of working at ESPN for 13 years, and during that time, I witnessed some incredible moments that transcended sports. One of the most powerful was Jim Valvano—Jimmy V—delivering his unforgettable speech at the 1993 ESPY Awards. Battling cancer, he spoke about what makes a good day:
“Number one is laugh. You should laugh every day. Number two is think, you should spend some time in thought. And number three is you should have your emotions moved to tears. Could be happiness or joy, but think about it. If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that’s a full day. That’s a heck of a day.”

He didn’t stop there. He spoke about perseverance, saying, “Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up.” Those words, coming from a man facing an insurmountable battle, inspired millions.

The Journey of Faith

Jimmy V’s words have stuck with me over the years, and they resonate even more as I reflect on faith. Faith can feel like a journey with its fair share of ups and downs. I’ve been there. There have been seasons where I was all in—daily Mass, the Rosary, the Divine Office—you name it, I was doing it. And then there are times when just getting to Sunday Mass feels like I deserve a gold star.

I know I’m not alone in this. A lot of us have been on this rollercoaster. One minute we’re sheep grazing right next to the Shepherd, and the next, we’re halfway across the pasture wondering how we got there. C.S. Lewis, in The Problem of Pain, had some great thoughts on this. He said the Shepherd doesn’t stop looking for the sheep, even when the sheep are off doing their own thing—probably distracted by something shiny or tasty. It’s a comforting reminder that God doesn’t give up on us, even when we’ve kind of given up on ourselves.

Lent: A Time to Reset

Lent is the perfect time to hit the reset button. Fasting, prayer, and almsgiving aren’t just boxes to tick off; they’re tools to help us refocus. Sure, giving up chocolate or scrolling on your phone might not seem like a big deal, but it’s amazing how these little sacrifices can clear the clutter and make room for God.

Progress, Not Perfection

For me, I’ve learned that faith isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up, even when you don’t feel like it. There have been times I’ve felt distant from God—like a sheep who wandered off and got stuck in a bush. But even then, He’s there, calling me back. Sometimes it’s through a Sunday homily that hits home, or a quiet moment during prayer (when I actually make time for it).

Taking the First Step

Maybe you’re feeling a bit lost right now too. If that’s the case, don’t worry. You are not alone, and the Shepherd hasn’t stopped looking for you. He’s not standing there with a clipboard, judging your every misstep. He’s just glad when you start heading back His way.

So this Lent, take a step—any step—to reconnect. Dust off that holy book, pray a decade of the Rosary, or try to make it to a weekday Mass. It doesn’t have to be perfect. The important thing is to start. And if you stumble, don’t sweat it. Remember, even the sheep who wandered the farthest still gets carried home on the Shepherd’s shoulders.

Let’s Journey Together

Let’s make the journey back together, one small step at a time. And if you need a little humor to keep things light, just remember: if God’s the Shepherd, we’re His sheep, and sheep are notoriously bad at directions. Thankfully, He’s great at finding us.

By Wayne Gignac

Bookmark the link below and visit it often as you observe the wonderful season of Lent! 
Feel free to share this link on social media

NorwichDiocese.org/Lent


Most Viewed Articles of the Last 30 Days

Watch the 2025 Chrism Mass and Homily by Archbishop Christopher J. Coyne
The 2025 Chrism Mass was celebrated on Wednesday, April 16th, at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich. The Most Rev. Christopher J. Coyne, Apostolic Administrator for the Diocese of Norwich, presided over the sacred liturgy, which marks a highlight of Holy Week. This special Mass featured the blessing of the holy oils—used throughout the year for sacraments such as Baptism, Confirmation, Anointing of the Sick, and Holy Orders—and the Renewal of Priestly Promises by the clergy of the Diocese. We invite you to watch the video of the full Mass, especiall...

Read More

Holy Week Schedule of Masses — Cathedral of Saint Patrick
Holy Week Masses Cathedral of Saint Patrick Masses will be live-streamed as indicated by * NorwichDiocese.org/Masses   Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord April 13 7:30am + 9am + 10:30am* + 5pm Vigil Saturday, April 12th, 5pm   Chrism Mass Wednesday, April 16 10:30 am* No 12 pm Mass, no confessions   Holy Thursday Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper April 17 Mass of the Lord's Supper, 7 pm* Confessions Following Service No 12 pm Mass   Good Friday  The Passion of the Lord ...

Read More

From the Archbishop: The Resurrection Gives Us Hope
Hello there. I offer an early Easter message to you. “Christ Is Alive! He is our hope, and in a wonderful way he brings youth to our world. His very first words, then, that I would like to say to every young Christian are these: Christ is alive and he wants you to be alive!” With these words, Pope Francis began an address to young people with the very first message found in the earliest preaching of the Church — in the words of St. Peter, “God raised this Jesus; of this we are all witnesses.” (Acts 2:32) Peter and all of the ancient saint...

Read More

Easter Vigil Spreads the Light of Christ

Posted on April 19, 2025 in: Lent

279

Easter Vigil Spreads the Light of Christ
The warm glow of candlelight washed over all gathered in the darkened Cathedral of Saint Patrick for the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, April 19th. The Liturgy of Light (Lucernarium) commenced as Father Peter Langevin and ministers proceeded in silence and darkness to the rear of the Cathedral. There, Fr. Langevin spoke to the faithful about the significance of the vigil before bestowing a blessing upon the new fire, which would be used to light the Paschal candle. Father Brian Romanowski then carried the lighted candle down the main aisle into the dimly-lit Cathedral...

Read More

The Call of Easter

Posted on April 02, 2025 in: Reflections, Lent

262

The Call of Easter
In the stillness of the early morning, Mary Magdalene stood at the entrance of the empty tomb, her heart heavy with grief. “Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?’ Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned and said to him in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means Teacher)” (Jn 20:15-16). The One she had followed, the Teacher who had changed her li...

Read More

Annual Catholic Appeal

ACA DONATE

English

Español

 

Latest Articles
Pope Francis Remembered: Statement from Archbishop Coyne
BREAKING: Pope Francis dies at 88, ending historic pontificate marked by mercy and reform
Easter Vigil Spreads the Light of Christ
Celebrating Our Faithful Servants: Priestly Jubilees of 2025
From the Archbishop: The Resurrection Gives Us Hope
Watch the 2025 Chrism Mass and Homily by Archbishop Christopher J. Coyne
What is Your Image of Christ? — Hope & Faith Series
Helpers of God’s Work: Connecticut Shop's Wares Reflect Catholic Faith
Recently Added Galleries
Click to view album: Students Called to Feed the Hungry
Click to view album: 40 Days for Life 2024
Click to view album: Blessing of the Fleet 2024
Click to view album: Mass of Ordination for Fr. Eric Carl Hosmer, Fr. Julian Felipe Cuervo-Lozada and Fr. Alexander James Pandolfe
Signup for Weekly Newsletter

     

    Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich
    201 Broadway
    Norwich, CT 06360-4328
    Phone: 860-887-9294