Think about all the trivial things in your life that shift your focus away from God. Do you find that you dedicate more time to sending text messages and posting status updates than to prayer and time with God? Do you have a habit of eating junk food excessively? What is something your life could do without? {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/c/c9/Celebrate-Lent-Step-1Bullet1. jpg/v4-460px-Celebrate-Lent-Step-1Bullet1. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/c/c9/Celebrate-Lent-Step-1Bullet1. jpg/aid117014-v4-728px-Celebrate-Lent-Step-1Bullet1. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">
License: <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" class="external text" href="https://creativecommons.
org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.
0/">Creative Commons</a>
\n</p>
<br />\n</p></div>"} For the record, in 2023, Lent starts on February 22, or Ash Wednesday, and ends on April 6th. , or Holy Thursday. Easter is then the following Sunday. {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/3/33/Celebrate-Lent-Step-1Bullet2. jpg/v4-460px-Celebrate-Lent-Step-1Bullet2. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/3/33/Celebrate-Lent-Step-1Bullet2. jpg/aid117014-v4-728px-Celebrate-Lent-Step-1Bullet2. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">
License: <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" class="external text" href="https://creativecommons.
org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.
0/">Creative Commons</a>
\n</p>
<br />\n</p></div>"}
Some families decide to set aside their spare change during these 40 days and do something with that money. Either donate it to the church or to a local charity, or spend it on goods for those in need. It’s a nice touch to this season, focusing on those that don’t have anything to sacrifice in the first place. {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/5/5d/Celebrate-Lent-Step-2Bullet1. jpg/v4-460px-Celebrate-Lent-Step-2Bullet1. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/5/5d/Celebrate-Lent-Step-2Bullet1. jpg/aid117014-v4-728px-Celebrate-Lent-Step-2Bullet1. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">
License: <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" class="external text" href="https://creativecommons.
org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.
0/">Creative Commons</a>
\n</p>
<br />\n</p></div>"}
If you’re going to choose a few extra times to go during this season, Ash Wednesday and Holy Thursday/Good Friday (or both) are your obvious choices. {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/2/29/Celebrate-Lent-Step-3Bullet1. jpg/v4-460px-Celebrate-Lent-Step-3Bullet1. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/2/29/Celebrate-Lent-Step-3Bullet1. jpg/aid117014-v4-728px-Celebrate-Lent-Step-3Bullet1. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">
License: <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" class="external text" href="https://creativecommons.
org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.
0/">Creative Commons</a>
\n</p>
<br />\n</p></div>"}
Your church probably offers weekly confessional services, if not more, during this time of year. If you’re not sure when to go, pick up a local bulletin or just make a quick phone call! You can schedule private confessions as well. {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/1/1b/Celebrate-Lent-Step-4Bullet1. jpg/v4-460px-Celebrate-Lent-Step-4Bullet1. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/1/1b/Celebrate-Lent-Step-4Bullet1. jpg/aid117014-v4-728px-Celebrate-Lent-Step-4Bullet1. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">
License: <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" class="external text" href="https://creativecommons.
org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.
0/">Creative Commons</a>
\n</p>
<br />\n</p></div>"}
Any prayer, so long as it means something to you, is a step in the direction God intended. If you have a prayer you’ve grown up with that speaks to you, resolve to spend more time focusing on what it truly means and how you can embody that prayer in your everyday life. The Agpeya, or prayer book, is a book of psalms and other prayers that can improve your prayer life by giving it more structure and direction to pray as a conversation with God. {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/1/1c/Celebrate-Lent-Step-5Bullet1. jpg/v4-460px-Celebrate-Lent-Step-5Bullet1. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/1/1c/Celebrate-Lent-Step-5Bullet1. jpg/aid117014-v4-728px-Celebrate-Lent-Step-5Bullet1. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">
License: <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" class="external text" href="https://creativecommons.
org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.
0/">Creative Commons</a>
\n</p>
<br />\n</p></div>"}
To top it all off, Lent, in most climes, is during winter – when just a look out the window is a somber reminder of the tribulations Jesus went through for our happiness. {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/c/c6/Celebrate-Lent-Step-6Bullet1. jpg/v4-460px-Celebrate-Lent-Step-6Bullet1. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/c/c6/Celebrate-Lent-Step-6Bullet1. jpg/aid117014-v4-728px-Celebrate-Lent-Step-6Bullet1. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">
License: <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" class="external text" href="https://creativecommons.
org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.
0/">Creative Commons</a>
\n</p>
<br />\n</p></div>"}
Some people should definitely not fast (the pregnant or the elderly, for example). If fasting isn’t a reasonable option for you, fast from something other than food. Make sure it’s something that’s a challenge – like your phone or email – so you can feel the sacrifice you’re making. {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/6/64/Celebrate-Lent-Step-7Bullet1. jpg/v4-460px-Celebrate-Lent-Step-7Bullet1. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/6/64/Celebrate-Lent-Step-7Bullet1. jpg/aid117014-v4-728px-Celebrate-Lent-Step-7Bullet1. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">
License: <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" class="external text" href="https://creativecommons.
org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.
0/">Creative Commons</a>
\n</p>
<br />\n</p></div>"} Fasting is by and large becoming more voluntary than anything. Way back in 1966, Pope Paul VI made fasting only mandatory on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday – everything else is at your discretion. {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/b/b5/Celebrate-Lent-Step-7Bullet2. jpg/v4-460px-Celebrate-Lent-Step-7Bullet2. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/b/b5/Celebrate-Lent-Step-7Bullet2. jpg/aid117014-v4-728px-Celebrate-Lent-Step-7Bullet2. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">
License: <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" class="external text" href="https://creativecommons.
org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.
0/">Creative Commons</a>
\n</p>
<br />\n</p></div>"}
In addition to bettering your own life, take this time to build habits that better the lives of others. Volunteer at a hospital or shelter, or simply get more active in your church by offering to greet, read, or take care of the offerings. {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/3/37/Celebrate-Lent-Step-8Bullet1. jpg/v4-460px-Celebrate-Lent-Step-8Bullet1. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/3/37/Celebrate-Lent-Step-8Bullet1. jpg/aid117014-v4-728px-Celebrate-Lent-Step-8Bullet1. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">
License: <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" class="external text" href="https://creativecommons.
org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.
0/">Creative Commons</a>
\n</p>
<br />\n</p></div>"}
If you’d like to get a little historical with it, try including matzah (unleavened bread), maror (horseradish root), egg, or haroset (apple, spice, and red wine mixture) as part of your meal. [1] X Research source {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/a/ad/Celebrate-Lent-Step-9Bullet1. jpg/v4-460px-Celebrate-Lent-Step-9Bullet1. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/a/ad/Celebrate-Lent-Step-9Bullet1. jpg/aid117014-v4-728px-Celebrate-Lent-Step-9Bullet1. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">
License: <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" class="external text" href="https://creativecommons.
org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.
0/">Creative Commons</a>
\n</p>
<br />\n</p></div>"}
Any charity in the area can be the basis of your project. All you need to do is get your parish on board. Talk to your priest and see if he can help urge the masses to get behind a good cause. {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/a/a3/Celebrate-Lent-Step-10Bullet1. jpg/v4-460px-Celebrate-Lent-Step-10Bullet1. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/a/a3/Celebrate-Lent-Step-10Bullet1. jpg/aid117014-v4-728px-Celebrate-Lent-Step-10Bullet1. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">
License: <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" class="external text" href="https://creativecommons.
org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.
0/">Creative Commons</a>
\n</p>
<br />\n</p></div>"}
But do keep it simple – Lent is hardly a time for overabundance. A few purple candles, a purple table runner – nothing too gaudy, eye-catching, or unnecessary. It’s a time of reserve and preparation for growth. Save the excess for Easter! {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/b/b4/Celebrate-Lent-Step-11Bullet1. jpg/v4-460px-Celebrate-Lent-Step-11Bullet1. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/b/b4/Celebrate-Lent-Step-11Bullet1. jpg/aid117014-v4-728px-Celebrate-Lent-Step-11Bullet1. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">
License: <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" class="external text" href="https://creativecommons.
org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.
0/">Creative Commons</a>
\n</p>
<br />\n</p></div>"}g closer and closer to Jesus’ resurrection. Lent is 40 days long and doesn’t include
Hang the calendar in a common area in your home. Every day, tick off a box. As you get closer and closer to Easter, how do you find yourself feeling? Are your sacrifices becoming more or less difficult to maintain? {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/9/99/Celebrate-Lent-Step-12Bullet1. jpg/v4-460px-Celebrate-Lent-Step-12Bullet1. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/9/99/Celebrate-Lent-Step-12Bullet1. jpg/aid117014-v4-728px-Celebrate-Lent-Step-12Bullet1. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">
License: <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" class="external text" href="https://creativecommons.
org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.
0/">Creative Commons</a>
\n</p>
<br />\n</p></div>"}
Make hot cross buns. These are usually reserved for Good Friday – but you’ve got to make them in advance! {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/e/ed/Celebrate-Lent-Step-13Bullet1. jpg/v4-460px-Celebrate-Lent-Step-13Bullet1. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/e/ed/Celebrate-Lent-Step-13Bullet1. jpg/aid117014-v4-728px-Celebrate-Lent-Step-13Bullet1. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">
License: <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" class="external text" href="https://creativecommons.
org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.
0/">Creative Commons</a>
\n</p>
<br />\n</p></div>"} Make soft, homemade pretzels. The shape symbolizes arms crossed in prayer. [2] X Research source {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/c/cf/Celebrate-Lent-Step-13Bullet2. jpg/v4-460px-Celebrate-Lent-Step-13Bullet2. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/c/cf/Celebrate-Lent-Step-13Bullet2. jpg/aid117014-v4-728px-Celebrate-Lent-Step-13Bullet2. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">
License: <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" class="external text" href="https://creativecommons.
org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.
0/">Creative Commons</a>
\n</p>
<br />\n</p></div>"} Of course, you could always prepare food for needy families or those at the local shelter.
Again, only partake in diet restrictions if it’s advisable for you. If you’re not sure, it’s wise to consult a doctor beforehand. Jesus doesn’t want you sacrificing your health! {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/6/60/Celebrate-Lent-Step-14Bullet1. jpg/v4-460px-Celebrate-Lent-Step-14Bullet1. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/6/60/Celebrate-Lent-Step-14Bullet1. jpg/aid117014-v4-728px-Celebrate-Lent-Step-14Bullet1. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">
License: <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" class="external text" href="https://creativecommons.
org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.
0/">Creative Commons</a>
\n</p>
<br />\n</p></div>"}
