Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

Salt + Light, a group aiming to engage young adult Catholics in the Diocese of Lincoln, has produced a booklet to encourage deeper participation in Holy Week liturgies. The organization, catering to individuals aged 21 to 39, provides various events to foster faith and community, including holy hours, "Pint Night" gatherings, study groups, and active sports and mission trips.

The idea for the booklet arose when program coordinator Natalie Bender restructured a planned Lenten retreat following a cancellation. Bender organized a speaker series that addressed issues important to young Catholics on the final Sundays of Lent, emphasizing Holy Week’s traditional liturgies as the best preparation for Easter.

Inspired by devotional materials from St. Thomas Aquinas Newman Center, Bender and Salt + Light crafted their own booklet. “The liturgical seasons are such a gift to us—to all of us, at all ages and stages of life. I wanted to remind young adults they are welcome at these liturgies, too," Bender stated.

Abby Ostdiek, a team member, assisted by inviting reflections on eight Holy Week events, crafted the booklet’s layout and design. Bender commented on the authors’ contributions: “It illustrated how the Church’s liturgies speak to all of us.”

Salt + Light highlighted events at Lincoln’s Cathedral of the Risen Christ, with a reflection by Bishop James Conley. The complete booklet is downloadable from their website. The speaker series concludes at St. Joseph Church with Joshua Burks and Deacon Matthew Hecker presenting to men and women, respectively.