Breaking Open the Word: Lent 2026
Virtual, Global, Scripture-based Conversations in the Spirit
Each week of Lent 2026 join others from around the world in small Zoom breakout groups for a global conversation around the weekly Gospel.
Choose from 27 different meetings each week.
One hour meetings are scheduled every day at different times and in 4 languages (English, Spanish, French and Portuguese)
Attend each week of Lent at the same time for 6 weeks.
See FAQs below for details.
Sessions are FREE, donations are welcome.
Meetings begin the first week of Lent starting on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
Meeting Schedule and Registration below.
Zoom links will be sent when you register.
Note: The Daylight Savings Time (DST) change will occur during Lent and may affect meeting times. Different countries change time on different dates. When you register, Zoom will send you a list of your meeting dates and times accounting for DST. Some meeting times may vary by an hour in some weeks.
Weekly Meeting Schedule
| Language | Date and Time of First Meeting | Register |
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Call for Facilitators!
Breakout Small Group Facilitators needed. A short video training is provided. Indicate you would like to be a facilitator when registering
Be a Small Group Facilitator
Lead a small Zoom breakout group of 4-6 in a Conversation in the Spirit on the weekly readings. Guide and short training provided. Group will meet each week for 5 weeks of Lent. English, Spanish, French and Portuguese speaking facilitators needed.
Join a Breaking Open the Word Group
Choose the day and time that is best for you. Join the Zoom meeting each week during Lent and get connected to Catholics from around the world for one hour of prayer, reflection and conversation on the scriptures of the week. Conversation groups in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese.
Keep the effort going … Donate Today
Give the gift of global faith-sharing.
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one conversation at a time.
FAQs
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Breaking Open the Word (BOTW) is a virtual group reflection rooted in prayer and shared reflection. Using the Conversation in the Spirit model, small facilitated groups share their insights on the Gospel and consider together how the Holy Spirit is calling all of us and each of us to live out the Gospel.
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The initial pilot project will take place during Lent 2025. Groups will meet each week of Lent for 5 weeks. Groups will meet at the same time on the same day each week of Lent. Registration for your day/time and return each week.
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Register Above at a time right for you.
You will receive an email with a Zoom link for the first week. (Use the same Zoom link each week. )
The group begins together with shared prayers, intentions, silence, song and the reading of the Gospel.
After the reading, you will be invited to join a small group of 5 and a facilitator who will guide you through a conversation where all share and listen together to our thoughts and insights surrounding the scripture and our lives.
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This pilot is global with groups meeting in 4 different languages: English, French, Spanish and Portuguese. The hope is to foster a truly catholic and universal conversation on our shared faith, finding inspiration and support together. It is meant for anyone who sincerely seeks global fellowship and honest dialogue around experience and scripture.