Parishes Gathering Together in Lent

A Simple Invitation to Pray with the Sunday Gospel

Lent offers every parish a simple opportunity: to gather people together around Christ and His Word.

Baptised and Sent in Lent with Sycamore is a simple, ready-to-use parish prayer resource, designed to help small groups meet during Lent to pray with the Sunday Gospel, reflect together, and share faith in a relaxed, welcoming setting.

Each gathering follows a gentle, structured pattern and is easy to lead — making it suitable for parish groups of all kinds.

What might it look like?

• Chairs arranged in a semicircle.
• The Sunday Gospel open before you.
• A short Sycamore video to begin reflection.
• Time for quiet prayer and shared conversation.
• A cuppa and a bun afterwards.

That is enough.

These gatherings can begin at any point in Lent.
They can run for five weeks — or for one week only.
They can take place in the morning, in the evening, or after Mass.

There is no need to create something new from scratch.
Baptised and Sent in Lent with Sycamore works especially well with existing parish groups, such as:

• Parents preparing children for First Holy Communion
• Grandparents
• Parish prayer groups
• Readers at Mass
• The Rosary group
• Retirees
• Any group who would welcome time to pause and pray together

It is simply an opportunity to sit together with the Gospel and allow Christ to speak.

At the heart of Baptised and Sent in Lent with Sycamore is the Sunday Gospel. Each gathering follows a clear and simple rhythm:

• Opening prayer
• Proclamation of the Gospel
• A short Sycamore video
• Reflection and shared conversation
• Closing prayer

The emphasis is not on teaching, but on listening — to the Word of God and to one another.

A simple notice in the parish bulletin or on the notice board is enough. For example:

A simple weekly gathering during Lent to pray with the Sunday Gospel.
All are welcome. No booking required.

All materials for Baptised and Sent in Lent with Sycamore are available on the Diocese of Derry Lent page: 👉 https://www.derrydiocese.org/lent

Diocesan Pastoral Coordinator Tony Brennan is available to help parishes get started, talk through ideas, or offer guidance on setting up a gathering.

Email: 

Lent does not require complexity.
Sometimes it begins with a few chairs, the Gospel opened, and Christ at the centre.

Baptised and Sent in Lent with Sycamore blends the Irish Catholic Bishops' Baptised and Sent in Lent reflections with short Sycamore videos, offering parishes a simple, prayerful way to gather around the Sunday Gospel during Lent.