Youth and adults at Our Lady of Grace parish in Noblesville, IN, are planning a Simplicity Challenge for Lent.  Check it out!  lent-simplicity-challenge-handout-2017

The registration and raffle are just for OLG parishioners, but anyone can join them in the challenge!  OLG parishioner and high school student Sam Bleisch explains why he will be doing the Lenten Simplicity Challenge:

We often find ourselves saying, “I’m too busy,” as an excuse. We don’t have enough time for prayer or other parts of faith because school, homework, and work get in the way.

But what about all the wasted time we spend on social media? Maybe instead of taking a quiz on what piece of IKEA furniture I am most like, I could help strengthen my relationship with God. That’s what is so great about the Lenten Simplicity Challenge. With this, we can finally see that we aren’t as busy as we think. That’s why I have chosen to take on this challenge.

I often find myself using high school swimming as an excuse for a lacking relationship with God. Having practice in the morning and afternoons, I often find myself very tired. Prayer becomes an afterthought when it should be a priority. By taking part in the Simplicity Challenge, I hope that I can use the extra time to pray more, read more of scripture, and not only grow my relationship with God, but also with friends and family.

Having a good relationship with friends and family is a very important part of this challenge. I often find myself looking down at my phone when there are plenty of people around me to talk to. By fasting from social media and music (in a social setting), you are given the great opportunity to learn more about the people around you and enjoy their company.

One of my biggest problems is that I find myself cooped up in my room watching Netflix alone. By ceasing this bad habit for Lent, it will force me to spend more time with God, family and friends.

All of these challenges can help me to have a much happier life. I’m hoping that by doing the Simplicity Challenge during Lent, I will be able to continue my new habits and my improved relationship with God well past the Lenten season.

– Sam Bleisch, 17, Noblesville, Indiana