The 40-Day Lenten Season

Draw closer to Jesus Christ through prayer, fasting, and giving.

The purpose of the Lenten season is twofold; to be freed from sin, and to respond to a communal calling. By voluntarily embracing Lenten practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, we are joined to billions of other Christians in every nation on the earth, in a bond of solidarity which bears witness to the truth of the Gospel. This witness is crucial in a world in need of the freedom which Jesus alone can bring.
Let’s spend this season deepening our commitment to freedom in Christ, as people of hope in a world that is in need of good news.

Prayer

Prayer is an essential component of growth in our relationship with God. Prayer is our communication with God—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is a relationship of both listening and speaking. Lent is an excellent time to start incorporating prayer into our daily life. If prayer is already a consistent habit, try adding something such as attending daily Mass, praying a whole rosary or chaplet every day, or spending an extended period of time in silent contemplation.

Fasting

During Lent, Jesus calls us to resist earthly temptations and, instead, seek the spiritual food provided by God and live by it. Fasting and abstinence from meat help us toward that end. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal. Fasting (age 18-59) and abstinence (age 14+) exclusions include the physically or mentally ill, including chronic illnesses such as diabetes, as well as pregnant or nursing women.

Giving


The Lenten call to almsgiving means making the needs of other people our own.


Sharing our gifts with others, donating to a charitable organization, or sharing our time and talents with those in need is a Christ-like way of sharing God's love. 

What is Lent all about?

Why do Christians receive ashes on Ash Wednesday? Why 40 days? 


Busted Halo explains the significance of this season of prayer, fasting, and giving, and how you can make the most of this time of repentance and renewal. 

What should I give up for Lent?

...or What should I add?

During Lent, many Catholics such as this Franciscan friar, abstain from meat and fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. In today's world, it is often about giving up chocolate, soda, or something similar.

When you give something up, you're able to add another thing in:

  • Add another half hour of Scripture reading (give up some Netflix time)
  • Add another half hour of silence (keep the radio off in the car)

Even moments of fun and relaxation with loved ones can be great Lenten practices, even penitential, when relationships aren't quite what you'd like them to be and you commit to add time to work on that.

Perhaps the Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi will inspire you.

Lenten Pillar of Fasting --

During Lent, Jesus calls us to resist earthly temptations and, instead, seek the spiritual food provided by God and live by it. Fasting and abstinence from meat help us toward that end. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal. Fasting (age 18-59) and abstinence (age 14+) exclusions include the physically or mentally ill, including chronic illnesses such as diabetes, as well as pregnant or nursing women. 



More about Fasting from USCCB