Lent is Here

Lent, in current times, is observed by many Protestants as well as Catholics. Obvious outward signs such as ashes on the forehead, fasting, abstinence from meat on Fridays have evolved into a deeper meaning of a time of reflection, sacrifice and conversion.

While listening to a Lenten CatholicMoments podcast last year, I heard a great list of 40 Lenten Resolutions. If you are like me and tend to stick with the same resolutions year after year, this list might open your eyes to the possibilities during this period of preparation. The list incoporates both the idea of self -sacrifice and positive sacrifice with adding extra spiritual time as a way to celebrate this time of preparation.

Forty Lenten Resolutions by Sherry Antonetti 
With the season right around the corner, here are a few ideas for how to begin the spiritual journey into the desert to prepare for the suffering, death and resurrection of our Lord.

40. Going to Mass an extra time or two a week.

39. Giving up caffeine.

38. Volunteering in the Soup Kitchen or a Hospital for a few hours a week.

37. Surrendering credit cards.

36. Saying a daily Rosary.

35. Sharing the daily readings at Dinner.

34. Fasting from all fast food.

33. Taking on a Novena or devotional.

32. Adding an hour of adoration to your weekly regimen.

31. Becoming a lector, usher or Eucharistic Minister.

30. Writing to friends and representatives about one’s faith.

29. Going to the gym or exercising daily.

28. Abstaining from a favorite food.

27. Refraining from unpleasant, catty or snarky comments.

26. Saying I love you daily to all of your family.

25. Offering up the most hated chore you have, performing it with a cheerful heart.

24. Receiving the sacrament of Reconciliation and trying to avoid the near occasion of sin.

23. Becoming more educated on the catechism of the Church or it’s history.

22. Matching all extra spending in charity giving.

21. Eliminating television.

20. Banning the cell phone, or blackberry, or computer when not at work.

19. Visiting the sick, the elderly or the imprisoned.

18. Pray for the souls in Purgatory.

17. Seeking reconciliation with estranged family and friends.

16. Giving up a time fritterer –surfing the net, shopping, television, telephone, etc.

15. Having meatless meals all 40 days.

14. Inviting others to mass with you.

13. Clearing out the closets of excessive toys and clothes that can be donated to charity.

12. Comfort the mourning with food, presence and prayer.

11. Contributing to Catholic Charities or an Order.

10. Give masses as gifts for the year.

9. Witnessing to Life via a protest of the abortion, writing letters or participating in a prayerful witness.

8. Host families for dinner on Friday. Discuss your faith.

7. Resolve to sing loudly if not well, at mass, with joy and reverence.

6. Help with the Catechism program of your Church, become a witness for your Faith.

5. Get more involved in the parish and Diocese, find out where help is needed and become that help.

4. Give up any unhealthy habit that keeps you from becoming closer to Christ . (addictions).

3. Spend time discovering a Saint’s faith through their writings.

2. Ask for the graces you lack, daily.

1. Spend time every day, thanking God for His Son.

Have a joy filled Lent!


If you are helping your children celebrate Lent, 2 great places to look for assistance are:

Lent is for Children by Julie Kelemen
Lenten Adventure by Holy Heros - A free web & email based adventure through Lent


How are you choosing to observe Lent? Share with us in the comments section.