According to the CCI website, 91 Days "is an exciting exploration of the social teaching of the church." The 91 Days project is modeled after a similar program conducted in the Joliet diocese last summer, which the Bishops of Illinois approved for statewide use. The daily emails are expected to be just a few paragraphs long.

The Compendium is broken down into chapters that explore such topics as the human dignity of each person, the principals of subsidiarity and solidarity, the importance of marriage and the family, the dignity of work, the morality of the economy, the church and the political community, international relations, safeguarding the environment and the promotion of peace.

These chapters are further broken down into sections and paragraphs, which make for a thoughtful daily meditation for 91 days, according to Marilou Gervacio, director of Social Services and Social Justice for CCI.

"In general, we hope to have as many Catholics as we can read the Compendium and understand all the topics and issues that the church teaches on," said Gervacio. "We also hope they will be inspired to become more involved in church ministries."

As has been widely reported, Pope Francis has been focusing on social teaching since his election last March. Moreover, in his recently released apostolic exhortation Gospel of Joy, Pope Francis mentions threats that press upon the Catholic Church and society.

Sister Jane Boos, SSND, director of the Office for Social Concerns in the Springfield diocese, said she recognizes that the Compendium serves as a tool to inspire and guide the faithful who are faced daily with moral and pastoral challenges. "I have used the Compendium for research and was pleased to see this opportunity to choose a positive action — reading the Compendium — during Lent," she said. "Those who sign up (for 91 Days) will not be disappointed because this resource is a guide to help us in the moral and ethical decisions of our everyday life.

"I hope to have an event for our diocese after Lent — to come together and share how these readings have challenged us to live more faithfully what it means to be Catholic — but plans are tentative," Sister Jane said.

For more information about the emailed readings or to sign up go to www.ilcatholic.org and click on the 91 Days banner. The readings will be offered in both English and Spanish. Additionally, many parish bulletins soon will be offering information on the program and signing up for the emails.