LEWISTON – Sister Elizabeth Madden will present a series of talks, “The Eucharist, Our Food for the Lenten Journey,” in the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church parish hall, 253 Main St. The talks will be held from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 21, 28 and March 6. Refreshments will be served at 10:30 a.m.

The first two talks will introduce the richness of Pope John Paul II ‘s Encyclical Letter, written as a legacy in his final years.

In it the Pope demonstrates his concern for the spiritual life of the church in today’s world. The changes and pressures of modern life have brought confusion and uncertainty to the understanding of parishioners as Catholics, he states. Pope John Paul II addresses the issue by directing Catholics to the Eucharist, the presence of the Risen Lord among his people.

In the final talk, Madden will speak on the theme of “Lent: Conversion,” focusing on the connection between the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Madden is a member of the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament in Waterville, which is a contemplative, non-cloistered Eucharistic community with spiritual ministries in the church. She has completed studies in theology, scripture and spirituality, and is certified in Ignatian spirituality and spiritual direction.

Madden is serving as vocation director for the U.S. Province of the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament. Bishop Joseph Gerry appointed her as spiritual director for the Perpetual Adoration Program, which was recently initiated as a joint effort by the Catholic parishes of southern Maine.