Lent
Rediscovering Lent: A Communal Journey of Faith
Among the most significant experiences in our Christian life is celebrating the Sacred Seasons. These seasons—Advent-Christmas-Epiphany and Lent-Easter-Pentecost—invite us to live the mystery of Christ more deeply. Through the Word of God, the sacraments (especially Baptism and the Holy Eucharist), and participation in these sacred times, we are continually formed and configured into greater unity with Christ.
However, many of us were never fully educated about the depth of the Sacred Seasons. For instance, Lent is often understood merely as a time of penance and fasting in preparation for Easter. But its purpose goes beyond personal sacrifice. Lent calls us to a desert-like experience with Christ for forty days—fasting, praying, confronting temptations, and offering it all for the redemption of the world. Furthermore, Lent is not a solitary journey; it is one of accompaniment with the entire Church, particularly those preparing to receive Baptism, Confirmation, and Communion during Easter.
Bringing Lent Beyond the Church Walls
Sometimes, Lent seems confined to the Church grounds—marked by purple vestments and more solemn liturgies—while the world outside continues as usual. The communal dimension of Lent has been lost, reducing it to an individual experience of penance. Meanwhile, the broader culture shifts quickly from Ash Wednesday to Easter bunnies and candy!
We need to reclaim Lent as a shared experience, one that extends beyond Church property and into our homes, workplaces, and communities. Lent should draw us deeper into Christ’s story so that His journey of dying and rising becomes our own.
Lent: A Call to Action
Our sacraments and Sacred Seasons serve a clear purpose—to form us in Christ, both individually and as a community of believers. Lent calls us to fast, pray, and give not only for ourselves but for others. It is not an abstract or aspirational season but a tangible expression of Christ alive and working in the world today.
Here are some ways to make Lent more meaningful for parishes, churches, and families:
For Churches and Parishes:
- Teach the Meaning of Lent: Pastors can explain the significance of Lenten traditions, such as purple vestments, the absence of the Gloria and Alleluia, and the covering of sacred art.
- Host Communal Activities: Fish fries, Lenten soup meals, and retreats can foster a shared experience of Lent.
- Organize Penance and Healing Services: Make these services widely known, especially for those who have been away from the Church. Use GC Smart Text to remind your community about dates and times.
- Encourage Prayer Partnerships: Parishioners can draw names and commit to praying for one another throughout Lent.
- Support Catechumens: Introduce those preparing for baptism by name at Masses or in the bulletin, and invite the community to pray for them. GC Smart Text and Email can be used to send Lenten newsletters with updates and prayer requests.
For Families:
- Create a Lenten Calendar: Plan days for fasting, family prayer, and acts of charity.
- Practice Almsgiving Together: Choose a cause such as Operation Rice Bowl, St. Vincent de Paul Society, or a local food bank. Special donations can be made through GC Smart Give.
- Make Traditional Lenten Pretzels: Did you know pretzels originated in Lent? Italian monks made simple flour-and-water pretzels as a fasting snack. Baking them as a family can be a meaningful Lenten activity (save the sugar and cheese for Easter!).
Living Lent as a Community
Lent is an opportunity to become part of God’s redemptive story. Through fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, we embody Christ’s sacrifice and extend His love to the world. By reclaiming Lent as a communal journey, we strengthen our faith and deepen our connection with Christ and one another.
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