New Wine // The 2023 Lent Devotional for Catholic Women

During this colder month, it can be difficult to imagine days in the desert. But give it a try. Lent will be here before we know it; and in Lent, we enter the desert.

The desert is a place in which we can no longer run from reality. What is in front of us simply is. We may grow weary in the desert from heat and thirst. We may feel alone. But the desert is also a place in which deep soul-shaping takes place. As Catholics during Lent, we don’t go into the desert alone. Jesus is with us. And what is promised on the other side is redemption, mission, and discipleship.

Why Do I Need a Devotional for Lent?

During the Lenten season, we are invited into greater intimacy with the Lord who spared not Himself in order to save us. And as He entered the desert for us, He walks in the desert now with us.

He is the Water of Life, the wellspring that never runs dry. And He is the One Who truly satisfies.

As you journey through the desert with Jesus, we would love to be your companion. As you contemplate what it means to have nothing but Jesus, would you pray with us through our new Lent devotional, New Wine?

This Lent devotional for Catholic women is all about how suffering shapes us. Taken from Jesus’ image of new wine in the Gospels, we will contemplate how being “crushed” is a necessary part of becoming a saint.

As we live the season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we meditate on the fact that God is ever with us in our suffering. He became one of us, vulnerable like us, and went to the Cross for us. He overcame sin death for us. He has already born all we bear, with us and for us, and He does not abandon us in that.

What Can I Expect from New Wine?

In this year’s Lent devotional, we will walk through the six weeks as we always do: soaking in Scripture, sharing our stories, being purposeful in prayer, and seeking the Lord’s Heart.

Practically

So what will our journey look like?

Father John Parks kicks us off with a prayerful meditation. With narration from Claire Dwyer, we will explore the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary, pray with corresponding Scripture passages, enter into the stories of Rocio Hermes, Bella Rol, Susanna Spencer, Dr. MaryRuth Hackett, Debra Herbeck, Megan Hjelmstad, and Beth Davis, and sit with sacred art.

The Commitment

This Lent devotional is written to be used by both individuals and in groups.

You can pray through this with your best friend, your sister, or your small group from church. And of course, you can use this on your own.

And don’t worry about “falling behind.” If you miss a day or two, it’s not a big deal. Simply pick up where you left off and continue on in prayer. Part of poverty of heart is perseverance, and this can be great practice!

Spiritually

This Lent, let’s take to heart the fact that our sufferings are not wasted. When we bear them with the Lord and offer our broken hearts to Him in love, He will take our humble grapes and transform them into wine.

If you’re ready for a newness of life that can only be found in the Suffering Servant who conquered death, this one’s for you.

A Lent Devotional for Men

In addition to New Wine, our devotional for men is now available.

Born of Fire acts as a guide through seven identities to learn from Jesus: son, brother, man, spouse, father, mystic, and ‘new man’ this Lent.

It includes witness accounts of postulants on their desert journey in the wilderness, invitations into prayer, and reflections on our new life in Christ by Father Innocent Montgomery, CFR.

This book meets a man’s need for challenge, adventure, introspection, and formation of his heart after the Heart of Jesus.

Something for the Family

Looking for something for the whole family? Bundle and save!

The Kids’ Book

We didn’t forget about the kids in your life! New Wine is the kids’ companion devotional for this year. Using the same Scripture verses you’ll be meditating on, All You Have includes coloring pages, questions, and other activities.