By the solemn forty days of Lent the Church unites herself each year to the mystery of Jesus in the desert. (CCC 540).
Lent is a reflective and penitential season during the liturgical year. It lasts for forty days between Ash Wednesday and Holy Thursday (Sundays are not counted). During this time, we remember Jesus’s period of fasting and prayer in the desert and prepare ourselves for the celebration of his Passion, Death, and Resurrection.
Jesus’s temptation in the desert: Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-15
There are two primary obligations during Lent, as well as a number of recommended or traditional practices that should be followed as much as reasonably possible.
Obligations for those with no medical limitations:
In addition to these two obligations, there are a number of other traditions and recommendations that are excellent ways to prepare for Easter. These are strongly encouraged but not required.
1. Make additional, personal sacrifices. These can take many forms, but all should be intentional and focused on creating a true conversion of heart.Some examples include giving up certain foods, music, or media; adopting a new prayer practice like a daily rosary, daily Mass, or weekly Holy Hour; or undertaking some physical penance, like waking up earlier or taking cold showers. Find an area of your life where there is clear room for growth and use that as a guide. Remember–a small sacrifice consistently made well is always better than a big sacrifice that you cannot maintain.
Example of a sacrifice made poorly: I spend too much time on social media, using it as a distraction from my worries and obligations. I give up all social media for Lent, but instead spend the same amount of time scrolling through the news or playing phone games. Technically, the sacrifice was made, but I failed to address the root of the problem and probably didn’t gain much.
Example of a sacrifice made well: I give up social media and dedicate that same time to prayer, reflection, and dealing with the reality I was attempting to avoid through distraction. These practices lead to a growth in virtue and better spiritual habits that persist after Lent is over.
2. Go to confession at least once during Lent. Again, this is not required, but it is one of the best ways to practice the penitential spirit of Lent and prepare for Easter.All Tuesdays | 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. |
All Saturdays | 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. |
Good Friday (3/29) | 5:00 p.m. |
Penance Service (3/14) | 6:00 p.m. |