Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. (2 Cor 5:20-6:2)
Lent is a holy season rich in tradition and history. In the early Church, Lent was the time for the final preparation of catechumens (those who have answered the call of the Holy Spirit to become fully initiated Catholic Christians) for baptism at Easter, a custom that has been restored in our day as part of the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). Lent later became a time for public penance for serious sinners, who reconciled themselves to the Church through prayer, fasting, and rituals such as the imposition of ashes. In our modern era, Lent is a season of prayer and repentance for all Christians in preparation for the celebration of the Easter mysteries.
The Catholic Church begins the holy season of Lent with Ash Wednesday, a day that calls us to deep prayer and repentance. These liturgies will include the Distribution of Ashes, an ancient tradition that reminds us of our need to turn away from sin. All are welcome to come forward and receive ashes, whether or not you are Catholic.
Lent is a blessed opportunity for us to deepen our relationship with God. Traditionally, Catholics do this by such practices as daily Mass, daily Rosary, self-denial (“giving something up” to help us stay focused on God), service to the community, and fasting. Other ideas include increased “quality time” with family, going on a Retreat or Day of Recollection, reading the Bible, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) – all good practices that will help lead us to closer to God.
Join us every Friday evening during Lent for Soup Supper and Stations of the Cross, hosted by different Parish ministry groups. The simple Soup Supper with bread/crackers begins at 6:00pm in Fireside; Stations will begin at 7:00pm in the Church. Though the gesture is appreciated, please do not bring additional bread or goodies to share. You are welcome to join us for one of both parts of the evening! If you aren't able or comfortable joining us to pray the Stations in-person, we have a number of different versions you can pray with at home.
Parishioner Betty Arrigotti has offered a weekly Lenten email series for the past 15 years! This year, inspired by our newly formed ministry group, she will focus on the subject of aging with grace. Betty has a Master of Arts in Counseling and a certificate in Spiritual Direction, as well as five published inspirational novels. Click here to contact Betty and sign-up for her weekly Lenten emails.
Visit Jesus, go to adoration
Read a chapter daily from the Bible
Pray the Stations of the Cross
Catholic/Christian reading
Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy
Pray a Novena
Listen to Catholic/Christian music
Read/re-read the Holy Trinity mission of Know - Grow - Go
Watch the Daily Reflection videos
Pray with a picture of Jesus so it is like you are having a conversation
Find time to feel God's presence and be assured you are never alone
Talk to God every day, even if just to say you don't want to talk right now!
Meditation, listen quietly for God to speak to you
Learn about a new Saint
Pick a virtue to strive for each day
Memorize a Bible verse
Read and reflect on the daily readings
Daily journaling
Participate in Grow Group
Listen/subscribe to a Catholic podcast
Read the Sunday scriptures before you go to Mass
Each time you get annoyed, pray an Our Father
Do a nightly examination of conscience and list three things you're grateful for
Start each day by "Letting go and Letting God"
Make simple, intentional sacrifices (e.g., no TV, cold/short showers, no sweets)
Family game night / movie night
Call or text someone to check-in
Say "hi" to nature
Daily family prayer
Do a chore for your significant other
Actively use positive words
Donate to charity: 40 different things for 40 days
Write a thank you note to someone who has been a light on your path
Volunteer - give a few hours of your time to a local charity
Think of 40 people and offer one day of Lent for each person
Post a Bible verse every day on your social media
Verbally wish people a good day/say 'hello' when you walk past
Paint rocks with encouraging messages and leave them on pathways
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) began their iconic Rice Bowl program in 1975, and it has been a common tradition for Catholic families ever since. As CRS' Lenten faith-in-action program, it offers opportunities for to engage daily with the spiritual pillars of Lent: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
Each year, we abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and the Fridays during Lent. Challenge yourself to add an additional meat-free day each week — or even eat plant-based meals through the season. Need some ideas for meatless meals? Check out these recipes from around the world that CRS has collected!