2026 Lenten Study: A Place Called Golgotha: Meditations on the Last Words of Christ
2026 Lenten Study Parishes and individuals in the diocese are invited to consider using the book, A Place Called Golgotha, for their 2026 Lenten studies. The book includes discussion/journaling questions and prayer prompts that can be used within a group or individual setting.
Register below to receive weekly emails and save the date for Sunday, March 22, 2026 for a virtual Evening of Reflection with the author, Liz Kelly!
About the Book In this powerful book, author Liz Kelly places you at the foot of the cross and offers thought-provoking insights into Jesus’ last words. In her beloved story-telling style, Kelly brings you into a fresh encounter with the last words of Christ, invites you to meditate on what Jesus’ words really mean for you, and deepen your understanding of his life, death, and resurrection.
Due to her story-telling approach, please be aware that some of the characters and situations in the book include potentially difficult themes of suffering, murder, sickness, imprisonment, etc. These stories are used within the context of the reflections in order to inspire a greater understanding into Jesus’ last words and the challenging themes of forgiveness and suffering.
About the Author Liz Kelly is a jazz singer who met Jesus in late-night adoration. She is the community leader for women’s formation at the Word on Fire Institute and the author of more than a dozen award-winning books, including Jesus Approaches, Love Like a Saint, and A Thrill of Hope.
Her take home retreat for Jesus Approaches has been called “a spa for the soul.” She holds advanced degrees in creative writing and Catholic studies. She is trained as a spiritual director, leading retreats and speaking around the world with a particular focus on helping women to flourish in their faith.
Recently, Liz spoke at the 2025 Women's Gathering in Fort Dodge. Visit her website at LizK.org or follow her on Instagram at LizKToday.
There are many wonderful reflection options for the season of Lent, and each person or parish is more than welcome to choose from this wide variety of options. The goal of offering a study on a larger scale is to offer an experience throughout our diocese where we can participate in the same content as our brothers and sisters in Christ across our many parish communities. Additionally, our diocese has partnered with the author, Elizabeth Kelly, to provide email reflections for those in the Diocese of Sioux City who are utilizing this particular study. She will also offer an Evening of Reflection for those in our diocese who would like to go deeper into the themes of the book and connect with one another outside of their small group or individual study of the book.
Start by contacting your parish to inquire about being a group leader for the Lenten study. Once you have talked to your parish, contact the Office of Faith Formation at [email protected] or 712-233-7530 and we can help you with the next steps!
We would love to hear from those leading study groups at their parishes! Let us know and we can add your information to our website as an additional way for parishioners to see the opportunities in their parishes. Contact the Office of Faith Formation at [email protected] or 712-233-7530 to let us know your name, parish, and information on how to register for your study group.
As a group leader, please also invite your participants to visit www.scdiocese.org/lent to register for the accompanying weekly emails.
You can read through the book independent from a study, but there is great value to group discussion with close friends or fellow parishioners in a study group.
Books can be purchased from Liz Kelly’s website or on Amazon. You are also welcome to check with a local bookstore. Parish groups may be placing orders, so check with your parish group before ordering on your own.
The virtual Evening of Reflection is an opportunity to hear from the author herself alongside others from the Diocese of Sioux City. The virtual gathering can be attended alone or alongside your study group at your normal meeting space.
The event is scheduled for the evening of Sunday, March 22 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Click here to register!
All are welcome to join, even if you have not been following along with the study.