Suggestions for Lenten Practices

"The seasons and days of penance in the course of the liturgical year (Lent, and each Friday in memory of the death of the Lord) are intense moments of the Church's penitential practice.  These times are particularly appropriate for: spiritual exercises, penitential liturgies, pilgrimages as signs of penance, voluntary self-denial such as fasting and almsgiving, and fraternal sharing (charitable and missionary works)."  
 
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1438.

Still giving up the three C's for Lent - coke, coffee, and chocolate?   There's certainly no harm in that, and for some of us, the sacrifice of those 3 C's certainly leaves a space for GOD to come into that we would normally fill with these good pleasures.  That said, it is good to ask ourselves each year how our current penances are aiding our relationship with Christ.   Some of us journey through the season of Lent with the penances we adopted as children.   Some of us fast from our indulgences, only to return to them at Easter.

Lent is a time of renewal.  It's a time for a deepened relationship with the person of Jesus Christ.  It's a time where we,  adults, are able to look in the mirror as adults and adopt spiritual exercises for adults. 

However, many Catholics need help discerning what to do for Lent.   Here are ten possible penances to consider.  Pick one ... and ask God to make this Lent your best ever. 



10 SUGGESTED LENTEN PENANCES
  
No. 1   |  Daily Mass

It would great to make daily Mass every day, Monday through Friday.  Let's shoot for that.  However, if every day can't work, shoot for three days a week for starters.  There are tons of Masses in the diocese and that means there is one near you.  You may be thinking that you don't have time for daily Mass.  However, re-think your time.  Maybe it's time to start leaving work on time.  Maybe it's time to get up early.  Maybe it's the year to "fast" from lunch a few days a week. You've got the time, it's time to ask God where and how to go to daily Mass.  

That said, we understand that we're still in a pandemic and it may not be possible or prudent for some to attend Mass.  If that's the case, there's another 9 suggestions below.


No. 2   |  Daily Prayer

There are a ton of great Lenten resources and reflections that can help you pray through Lent.  Whatever you choose, make a commitment to being committed: pray 20 minutes every day during Lent.  You could pray with the Bible, pray the rosary, pray the Stations of the Cross, or spend some silent time with GOD and speak with Him or journal.
 

No 3  |   Learn how to pray 

One of the things that prevents most Catholics from sustaining a Lenten penance of daily prayer is the humble admitting that most adults don't know how to pray. When we were kids we learned how to "say our prayers."  If you're looking to learn how to pray 'as an adult', check our resources on prayer here.


No. 4   |  The Sacrament of Reconciliation

This Lent, try going to Confession regularly.  If we first learn "how" to really go to Confession, then we'll grow leaps and bounds by adding the gift of Reconciliation to our spiritual exercise.   Learn more about the Sacrament of Reconciliation here.


No. 5  |   Focus on one sin

None of us are perfect.  In fact, when many of us look at our litany of habitual sin we can get overwhelmed and wonder: "Where do I start?" Here's our encouragement: let go of your pursuit of perfection.  Focus on one sin.  Focus on your most predominant sin.  Focus on your most repetitive sin.   Focus on your biggest sin ... the one you don't like to admit or talk about.  This is where weekly Confession is your best friend.  Even if you keep confessing the same sin in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, keep going.  The advice from your Confessor will help you learn more about the pattern.  


No. 6   |  Balance

This one might seem to be a surprise; however, for professional adults, nothing will impact your life more than allowing God to order your life.  Tell me if you've ever thought this: "I wish I had more time for my marriage." "I wish I had more time for my family." "I don't have enough time."  If you've ever thought those thoughts join the rest of the human race.  This Lent, consider reading this book: When Work and Family Collide by Andy Stanley.

No. 7   |  Fast

Fasting is a gift.  In dying to what our cravings crave, we master our compulsions and grow in freedom.   That being said ... I encourage you to really pray about fasting ... perhaps it's time to notch it up a bit.   Here's a short video on fasting.


No. 8   |  Almsgiving

Like fasting, almsgiving is one of those things that has really fallen into a surficial understanding.  Luckily, Pope Francis has captured the world's imagination with his integrity and witness.   Click here for a great blog on the "how" and "why" of almsgiving.  


No. 9   |  Volunteer

I've heard it said that love is often spelled "T-I-M-E".  Often times that's true.  So many of us cherish nothing more than time.  We spend to save time.  We rush to save time.  Yet, none of us have the time we long for.  This is where the spirit of Lent hits us in the heart.  Instead of clinging to ourselves and trying to save for us, spend some time serving others.  Spend more time with your family.   Spend more time with your spouse.  Call your church parish.  Call your favorite charity.  Call somebody.  Commit to serving others once a week this Lent. 


No. 10  |   Pope Francis

Pope Francis ... what a gift he is.  This Lent, let the Holy Father be your pilgrimage director.  Learn about him.  Enter into his mind and heart.  Read what he says.  During this Year of St. Joseph, read his apostolic letter on St. Joseph here.  Read his messages for Lent here.