This digital initiative out of Calgary, Alberta, Canada was originally borne from a need for connection; the Regnum Christi Calgary Women’s section longed for more activities and events that would bring its members together, even while COVID restrictions kept them apart. Since some of the Calgary teams had produced small cookbooks in the past, the Formation Team agreed that creating a larger, Lent-focused e-cookbook was a good fit, and members of the Formation Team each submitted a recipe (either original or adapted from another source). The digital cookbook includes recipes for a variety of fish and meatless dishes, like Easy Baked Salmon, Linguini with Clam Sauce, Black Bean Burgers, and Famous Carrot Soup. It also includes a prayer to say before and after meals, and quotes from Scripture and the saints.
One of the people on the board for this project was Richelle Tabelon. In 2007, Richelle settled in Calgary, Alberta, where she now resides and works as a Registered Dietitian. Throughout her career, she has provided a wide variety of nutrition counselling services in preventative health, chronic disease, and emotional eating, developing skills and a passion for working collaboratively with psychologists and physicians regarding disordered eating, anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder recovery. “I have prayed for a career where I could incorporate my faith into my work, and helping support people with eating disorder recovery allowed me that opportunity,” says Richelle.
As a Registered Dietitian, Richelle has a uniquely informed perspective on the concept of Lenten fasting and abstinence; for her, it is important to recognize that these are not simply arbitrary rules to obey on specific days or during particular liturgical seasons, but an invitation to grow in faith. “I have personally been drawn back to focus on the true meaning and purpose of fasting and abstinence during Lent,” says Richelle. “I don’t want to merely ‘follow the rules,’ but utilize these gifts that the Church has provided for us to be a means of deeper spiritual growth and a more intimate relationship with Jesus.”
For this reason, Richelle underscores the importance of continually examining our underlying intentions during periods of fasting and abstinence. “It’s important to make sure that fasting isn’t about trying to lose weight,” Richelle says. “As a dietitian, I’m quite sensitive to the fact that fasting and abstinence from food is not appropriate for everyone, but there are many ways to fast during Lent without using food.”
More info
Lenten Cookbook pdf
