Lent During COVID, Vaccines, Catholic Charities & Cathedral Restoration

Host Jack Socha talks with Bishop Callahan of the Diocese of La Crosse about the Texas cold snap, beginning Lent during the ongoing pandemic, and the progress of COVID-19 vaccinations, including their own experiences and the need to continue masking and distancing even after vaccination. The bishop praises the resiliency and leadership of Catholic schools and outlines diocesan Lenten practices, including receiving ashes by sprinkling and following safety directives, with potential updates for Holy Week. They encourage practical ways to live Lent by accepting hardship with patience, reaching out to those who are isolated, and adding good works, inspired by St. Francis. Due to COVID, Catholic Charities Lenten luncheons will not be held, and support is requested for expanded outreach. The episode also highlights diocesan online resources, a new issue of Catholic Life magazine, successful fundraising for the cathedral restoration, and reflections on NASA’s Perseverance landing and Pope Francis’ book Let Us Dream.

00:00 Welcome to the Show

00:55 Cold Snap and Texas

02:25 Catholic Schools Update

05:02 Vaccines and Needles

09:37 Lent Plans in Pandemic

16:15 Lenten Practices and Kindness

20:27 St Francis and Simple Joys

26:40 Break and Magazine Spotlight

28:09 Catholic Life Magazine Update

28:52 Lenten Luncheons Canceled

34:03 Support Catholic Charities

36:23 Lent Culture Fish Fridays

39:06 Diocese Streaming Resources

41:27 Vaccine Reality Check

43:26 Cathedral Restoration Progress

48:23 Farewell and Lenten Blessing

49:44 Mars Landing and Stewardship

53:08 Pope Francis on Crisis

56:06 Closing Music and Signoff