'Lent' comes from an Old English word meaning lengthening - the lengthening of days and daylight hours that comes in the season of spring. In our spiritual seasoning, it is a time to mark our movement from the darkness of pride, fear, and despair to the full light of humility, boldness, and hope.
In our day of reflection, we will use the pilgrimage of Nicodemus as our guide in growing in Lenten discipleship. We will explore the three times he appears in the Gospel of John, probing his first encounter with Jesus at night - to his embracing Jesus's body at the cross in full light of day. We will claim as our own his courage to question, to confront, and to love.
Linda Baratte, Ph.D., is a popular presenter and retreat leader, serving parishes and communities of faith in Northern New Jersey. She has a commitment to accompanying adults in their faith journeys with a special focus on women's spirituality. An RCIA 'graduate', she served as the Director of the Center for Theological and Spiritual Development at the College of St. Elizabeth in Morristown, New Jersey.
Linda has a Masters in Pastoral Ministry from Boston College and a Doctorate in Religious Education from Fordham University. She is a member of the Loyola Jesuit Center Board of Directors, where she chairs the mission committee and offers days of prayer. Linda and her husband Jim are members of the Christian Life Community, a lay Ignatian intentional community, and Notre Dame of Mount Carmel Parish in Cedar Knolls.