Taking Part in Lent

Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, make up the traditional practices of Lent. 

Prayer nourishes our spirits.  Fasting disciplines our bodies, helping us seek the Lord with greater intensity, while putting us in solidarity with those who suffer.  Works of Charity enlarge our hearts as we commit ourselves to the good of others.

Prayer means speaking with God in spiritual communion.  Reflection requires examining your life seriously and thoughtfully.  Together, they help us learn more about God and ourselves.  We receive spiritual strength by learning to rely on God as well as on our own inner resources.

Fasting

During Lent, Christians should try to observe some form of fasting.  Lenten fasting has a special meaning, recalling Christ's suffering and death to redeem humanity.  Fasting cleanses the body and mind by imposing self-discipline and encouraging meditation and reflection.

Good Deeds and Almsgiving

These consist of self-sacrifice to serve and benefit others.  Christ and His Apostles spent their lives serving others.  Christ instructed His followers to do good deeds for spiritual rewards, not for human recognition.  By doing good, you can ease the emotional and physical pain of people in need.  But you also encourage compassion and charity in your daily life and strengthen your Christian soul.

Special Commitments

This means giving up something for a greater good.  Self-denial should be a positive act.  Forego some frivolous activities during Lent to make time for activities such as reading, studying, meditating, or helping others.  By accepting this sacrifice, you strengthen your self-control and provide more meaning and direction to your life.

Christian Study

Reading God's word and reflecting on how Jesus Christ's life and death transforms lives today can bring about a new meaning and relevance to events that may sometimes seem very distant from today's world.  Study will help you increase your understanding of the Bible and Christianity and strengthen the link between that understanding and your daily life.

Church Activities

Special worship services are held throughout Lent, especially Holy Week.  Lenten worship services that involve the whole church community enhance a sense of fellowship and joyful hope.  Lenten services help Christians share insights about the meaning and relevance of Christ's passion and clarify thoughts about their faith.