is a time of prayer, repentance, fasting and preparation for Easter.  We are encouraged to pray, fast and share with the poor.

Pray: personal prayer is not complete unless our prayers are joined with the community of faith, the living Body of Christ. The Sunday liturgy is the greatest form of prayer because together we receive the gift of the Holy Eucharist, the Real Presence of the Risen Christ. Mass is an essential part of a prayer life.  Why not try to attend weekday Mass this Lent?

Fast: Fasting helps us focus on God and unites us with our Lord Jesus who fasted in the desert for 40 days. This is a good time to think about what is ruling your life. Where is your attention drawn? What is occupying your time and thoughts? Give that thing up. When Lent is over, consider where your focus went when you no longer had that thing.

Share with the poor: Through almsgiving we share God’s love with others and we recognize that the gifts we have are not really our own. If the thing you are fasting from leaves a little extra money in your pocket, then give that money to a worthy charity which helps the poor. Acts of service can also be considered almsgiving, especially if you do them with the intention of sharing your gifts. You might encounter Jesus in the faces of those you are serving.