In a post on the Washington Post’s On Faith blog, America Magazine’s Kevin Clarke wonders: “Where’s all the good stuff that used to energize me about being Catholic? Where’s all the feeding of the hungry, the clothing of the naked, the caring for the sick, the loving as we have been loved? Where is the community gathered to break bread not heads?” Clarke’s questions come in response to the recent controversy over the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ decision that employers must provide contraception in their employees’ health insurance plans, and specifically the nature of the dialogue and debate about the issue that has ensued.

Lent is a desert time and an opportunity for personal faith development. It’s a time when we can examine our understanding of God and our faith in order to strengthen our identity as Catholics. Share Kevin Clarke’s blog post with young adults and use these questions to start a conversation about Catholic identity:

• What does it mean to be Catholic in America?
• How do we distinguish ourselves?
• How would you explain what it means to be Catholic to another young adult?
• Do you share some of Clarke’s frustrations in the article? If yes, which ones?
• What is your prayer for the Catholic Church this Lenten Season?