We are in Lent – a season of renewal, a season of “leaning in,” a season of surrendering more and more. Lent is a sacred and beautiful season. What I’d like to propose is that Lent is a great time to focus on “living intentionally” – essentially “living on purpose.”...
I distinctly remember grade school lunches on Fridays. They were conveniently meatless. Then in high school, when Lent arrived, as I bit into my chicken sandwich, I looked up at my other Catholic friend at our table. We realized it was Lent, and we spit out our bite...
Did you know that during Advent the Church encourages us to partake in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving (much like Lent)? It is a time of preparation for Christmas, but also of Christ's Second Coming. Almsgiving helps the Church as a whole by financially supporting the...
The Best-Laid Plans The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry. We layout the best plans for our Lenten journey. We seek to approach Easter having undergone a well thought out and executed routine of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. If you are like me, this...
These Bible Verses Will Help You Decide How To Spend Lent Catholic-Link Lent Resources https://catholic-link.org/confused-lent-take-quiz/ https://catholic-link.org/7-ways-lent-food/ https://catholic-link.org/wild-scary-interior-lent-gospel-reflection/...
Mardi Gras rolls around every year, and every year I think "Oh shoot. What am I going to give up for Lent this year?" Now, for starters, I suggest that you consider what your Lenten practices are going to be before Fat Tuesday, but hey, we've all been there and just...
"For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” - Matthew 17:20 At the beginning of Lent, we often make the mistake of trying...
We all know Lent is a penitential time of the year. However, what often happens during Lent is that many of the penances we adopt revolve around fasting, abstinence and prayer. Some of us give up coffee, desserts or snacks, others take on spiritual practices like...
Pete Burak, director of i.d.916 gives a quick rundown of some creative ideas for young adults to think about giving up this Lent. The suggestions to give up eye-rolling, extra guac, and not finishing a book spoke directly to my heart! Which ideas will inspire...
When I was growing up, my understanding of Lent was that I wasn’t supposed to be eating candy, I got “black stuff” on my forehead at the beginning of the season, and we didn’t eat meat on Fridays. What it actually meant was beyond me; and to be completely honest, I...
What is the purpose of Lent? Lent is not simply a way to renew your commitment to a New Year's resolution or jump start your diet. It's much more than a tradition or ritual. Lent should be a time of spiritual renewal and purification that ultimately leads us to...
So, we’re approaching the midpoint of Lent! How is it going for you so far?! No matter how you feel you’re doing, this is a good time to pause and reflect on what has happened so far and to remind yourself of the purpose of this important time. To help you, we’ve...
This post aims to compile some of the reflections the Lord has given me during a retreat I lived not long ago. They are not the result of my own inspiration whatsoever, but a true gift from God and the good preacher, whom God put in our path. In our lives, we are like...
Money can buy happiness? As Fr. Mike Schmitz points out, yes, money actually can buy happiness if you spend it on other people. Spending money on other people can “buy happiness” because it doesn’t have to do with the money—it has to do with gratitude, sharing,...
How is your Lent going?! Great, or not so great? Feeling like it is a long way to Holy Week? Has your Lent felt like a complete disaster so far? Are you feeling a bit sick of it all?! If your Lent has stalled- did you start with plans that were too much? Or did you...
This week we will begin the Lenten season. It is a beautiful time to grow in closeness to God and to others. This time can, if we are willing to cooperate, be 40 days of immense spiritual and personal growth. While the specific penances we choose are not...
This is a fun quiz to help you start thinking about and planning for Lent. Ready to discover what Lent resource is best for you to use to grow spiritually? Share your results and plans with us in the comments. Click "Let's Play" to get started! What Should...
On Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, at the imposition of ashes, we hear the first words of Jesus in the gospel of Mark (1:15), “Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” His powerful and simple words provide us direction and guidance as we journey through the sacred...