Lent isn’t just about fasting: The call to increased prayer, penance and almsgiving

Turns out there are actually three things the Catholic Church calls us to during the holy season of Lent.

Briefly:

• A season of penance and renewal: Lent is not just about giving something up; it is a time of deep reflection, prayer and transformation. By embracing prayer, fasting and almsgiving, Catholics can grow closer to God and prepare their hearts for Easter.
• A holistic approach: While fasting often receives the most attention, the Church calls the faithful to a balanced approach that includes intensified prayer and acts of charity. These practices are not burdensome obligations but opportunities to grow in faith, virtue, and love.
• Discerning your Lenten journey: Every Catholic is invited to discern how God is calling them to spiritual growth during Lent. Whether through deepening prayer life, practicing self-discipline or giving generously, the key is to engage in meaningful sacrifices that lead to a closer relationship with Christ.

Lent is a time of penance and preparation for Easter, calling Catholics to embrace prayer, fasting and almsgiving as the pillars of spiritual renewal. While fasting often receives primary emphasis, the Church invites us to a holistic approach that integrates all three practices, deepening our spiritual lives and fostering a closer relationship with God. It is essential to understand these practices are not merely obligations but opportunities for growth in faith, charity, and virtue, aligning with the teachings of the Church.

By engaging in these disciplines, we allow ourselves to be transformed, preparing our souls for the joy of Easter.

How is God calling you to grow this Lent?

Prayer: Strengthening your relationship with Jesus

Prayer is the foundation of the everyday Christian life. It is through prayer that we grow in intimacy with God, seek his guidance and intercede for the needs of the world.

The Church teaches that Lent is a time of intensified prayer, a season to draw closer to God in repentance and renewal. The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains that prayer, alongside fasting and almsgiving, is part of our penitential journey (CCC 1438).

Pope Francis reminds us that prayer opens our hearts to God’s mercy and strengthens us to care for those in need. St. John Paul II also emphasized its power, stating, “Prayer joined to sacrifice constitutes the most powerful force in human history.”

“Prayer joined to sacrifice constitutes the most powerful force in human history.” — St. John Paul II

Here are nine ways to consider deepening your prayer life this Lent:

1. Commit to daily prayer: Set aside time for Scripture, the Rosary or quiet reflection.
2. Pray the Liturgy of the Hours: Join the Universal Church in daily psalms, readings and prayers.
3. Practice “Lectio Divina” (“Divine Reading”): Meditate on a passage of Scripture, listen for God’s voice and reflect on its meaning in your life.
4. Attend Mass more frequently: Weekday Mass and reception of the Eucharist is the most powerful way to deepen your relationship with Christ.
5. Pray the Stations of the Cross: St. Alphonsus Liguori’s stations, in particular, are an intimate way to enter into Christ’s suffering on the cross. Most parishes host regular Stations of the Cross services where you can join in this prayer along with your community.
6. Use Lenten devotionals: Consider apps like Hallow, Amen or Exodus 90 to guide your prayer.
7. Go to Confession: Going to confession during Lent is a profound way to engage in prayer, as it allows individuals to seek reconciliation with God, reflect on their sins and renew their commitment to spiritual growth during this sacred season.
8. Go to Eucharistic Adoration: There are few betters ways to deepen your prayer life than by spending it in silence before the Blessed Sacrament.
9. Make Holy Week holy: Technically, the only obligation for Catholics to attend Mass during the Easter Triduum is Holy Saturday or Easter Sunday. But if you don’t prioritize the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday and Celebration of the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday – the only in the year Catholic Masses aren’t held, to call attention to Christ’s death and laying in the tomb – you’re missing out. Some Catholics will take all of Holy Thursday or even the entire Holy Week off to focus on prayer, fasting and entering fully into the pinnacle of the Church calendar.

Fasting: A means to focus on God and others

Fasting is more than just giving up food; it is an act of self-denial and discipline that frees us to rely more fully on God. Jesus warns against fasting for show (Matthew 6:16-18) and calls us to true interior conversion.

The early Christians practiced fasting with great rigor, viewing it as a vital means of penance and spiritual discipline. They observed fasting twice a week, on Wednesdays and Fridays, to atone for sins and unite themselves more closely with Christ’s suffering. In preparation for Easter, they also embraced an extended 40-day fast, mirroring Jesus’ time of prayer and sacrifice in the desert. This Lenten fast was a significant commitment, requiring not only physical restraint but also a deep focus on spiritual renewal.

In addition to the length and frequency of their fasting, early Christians adopted strict dietary restrictions, particularly during Holy Week. Many practiced xerophagy, consuming only dry foods such as bread, salt and vegetables, to heighten their sense of self-denial and reliance on God. Abstinence from meat, dairy, eggs and sometimes even fish was also common, reinforcing the principle of simplicity and detachment from worldly comforts.

Through these practices, the early Church emphasized fasting not as an end but as a transformative act of devotion, fostering humility, self-discipline and a greater dependence on God’s grace.

We can draw from the early followers of Christ’s example. Consider the following when discerning how to fast this Lent – beyond the Church’s requirements (more on those below).

• Eating simple Lenten meals: Choose bread, lentils and vegetables instead of rich foods.
• Skipping one meal per week: Use the extra time for prayer.
• Taking part in a “desert fast” on Fridays: Eat only bread and water in solidarity with the poor.
• Fasting from meat and dairy: Follow the early Christian tradition.
• Eliminating processed foods and/or sugar: Reduce luxury foods (a side benefit: you’ll feel fantastic).
• Giving up eating out: Cook at home and donate the savings.
• Fasting twice a week: Refrain from eating on both Wednesdays (traditionally known as the day of the week Judas betrayed Jesus) and Fridays (the day Jesus was crucified). If this isn’t prudent, consider following the Church’s Ash Wednesday and Good Friday stipulations of one regular meal and two small meals on Wednesdays and Fridays or only Fridays throughout Lent.

Almsgiving: The heart of Christian love

Almsgiving is a direct response to Jesus’ call to love our neighbor (Matthew 25:35-40).

During Lent, Catholics are called to reflect on how they can share their blessings, whether through financial contributions, time or acts of kindness. Almsgiving is not about the amount given but the spirit in which it is offered.

For families blessed with financial stability, Lent is an opportunity to invest in meaningful causes and make a lasting impact. Here are ways families with greater financial means can practice almsgiving:

• Direct financial contributions: Consider making a significant donation to Catholic charities, local food banks or international relief efforts. Organizations like The Saint Paul Seminary provide vital support for Catholic communities, including yours, by forming future priests and Church leaders.
• Sponsorship programs: Support a child or family in need through programs like Catholic Relief Services or Compassion International, helping provide access to education, healthcare and essential resources.
• Organize or participate in fundraisers: Host a charity event, auction or bake sale to raise funds for causes close to your heart. Many parishes have Lenten giving campaigns that align with Catholic social teaching.
• Volunteer professional expertise: Those with specialized skills — such as lawyers, doctors, accountants and business professionals — can offer pro bono services to non-profits or individuals in need.
• Matching donations: Encourage generosity by matching family members’ or employees’ donations, doubling the impact of their giving.
• Tithing a percentage of your income: Commit to giving a portion of your earnings during Lent to support a Catholic organization.

Almsgiving isn’t limited to those who can give money. Families with limited disposable income can still make a powerful impact by offering their time, talents and service:

• Give your time: Volunteer at food banks, crisis pregnancy centers, soup kitchens, shelters or your parish. Many charitable organizations rely more on volunteers than monetary donations.
• Declutter for a cause: Gather clothing, household items or unused toys and donate them to those in need. Churches and non-profits often have Lenten donation drives.
• Acts of service: Help an elderly neighbor with yard work, babysit for a single parent or visit the sick. Small, everyday acts of love can make a big difference.
• Share what you have: Consider cooking extra meals for a struggling family, sharing books or lending tools. A spirit of generosity goes well beyond financial giving.
• Community involvement: Engage in neighborhood clean-up projects, parish outreach programs or letter-writing campaigns for the imprisoned or homebound.

Almsgiving is not about the size of the gift, but the love behind it. Jesus praised the widow who gave two small coins (Luke 21:1-4) because she gave from her heart. Whether you have great financial means or very little, what matters is that you give with a generous and willing spirit.

Prayer, fasting, almsgiving and family life

Lent is a season that calls the entire family to deeper prayer, self-discipline and generosity.

While Church law provides specific guidelines for fasting and abstinence, not everyone is bound to follow these practices the same way. Children, the elderly and those with health concerns may be exempt from certain obligations, but they can still embrace the season of Lent in meaningful ways.

The Catholic Church requires fasting and abstinence from meat on certain days during Lent, but the obligation varies by age and circumstances. According to Canon Law 1251, all Catholics aged 14 and older must abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and all Fridays of Lent. Additionally, Catholics aged 18 to 59 are required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, meaning they may eat one full meal and two smaller meals that do not equal a full meal.

However, the Church recognizes that some individuals may be unable to follow these requirements due to health, pregnancy or other valid reasons. Those with medical conditions, the elderly and young children are exempt, and pastors may dispense individuals from the obligation when necessary.

“Lent stimulates us to let the Word of God penetrate our life and, in this way, to know the fundamental truth: who we are, where we come from, where we must go, what path we must take in life.” — Pope Benedict XVI

Although children under 14 are not required to abstain from meat, they can still participate in Lent in ways that are age-appropriate and aid their spiritual growth. The key is helping them understand that Lent is about growing closer to God, not just following rules.

• Prayer as a family: Parents can encourage their children to pray daily, whether through simple morning prayers, mealtime blessings or bedtime reflections. Families can also pray the Rosary together, attend Stations of the Cross on Fridays or read a short passage from Scripture each day.
• Fasting in small ways: While young children should not fast from meals, they can give up a favorite snack or activity, like sweets or screen time, as a small act of sacrifice. They can also practice fasting from impatience, complaining or unkind words, replacing them with virtues like gratitude and kindness.
• Teaching almsgiving: Families can engage in almsgiving by donating to a local food bank, collecting clothing for the needy or encouraging children to place spare change in a Lenten Sacrifice Jar to be donated at Easter. Acts of kindness, such as visiting an elderly neighbor or helping a sibling with chores, also embody this spirit of generosity.
• Participating in parish life: Bringing children to Mass, introducing them to Confession and involving them in service projects helps them experience Lent as a season of transformation, not just personal sacrifice.

Sacrifice with prudence

Lenten commitments should be challenging but not inordinate. It is essential to discern practices that help your family grow in faith without causing extreme hardship.

Pope Benedict XVI reminds us that “Lent stimulates us to let the Word of God penetrate our life and, in this way, to know the fundamental truth: who we are, where we come from, where we must go, what path we must take in life.”

For families, this means choosing realistic and meaningful ways to observe Lent. If you have young children, an intense fast may not be feasible, but small sacrifices — offering up inconveniences, being mindful of words or praying more together — can be powerful.

If you are unsure about how to apply prayer, fasting or almsgiving in your family life, consider speaking with your parish priest or a certified spiritual director. They can offer practical advice and help tailor Lenten practices to your family’s specific needs.

Ultimately, Lent is not about checking off obligations but about deepening your relationship with God. Through thoughtful prayer, intentional fasting and acts of generosity, every family can make this season a time of spiritual renewal and grace.

What about Sundays?

Sundays during Lent hold a unique place within the season. While Lent is a time of penance, fasting and self-denial, the Church recognizes Sundays as “little Easters”, days meant for the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection. Because of this, Catholics are traditionally not bound by fasting or other Lenten disciplines on Sundays.

The Church teaches that Sundays are always a day of joy and renewal, meant to remind the faithful of the ultimate hope found in Christ’s victory over sin and death. This does not mean that Lent is “paused” on Sundays, but rather that the day serves as a foretaste of Easter, even during a penitential season. The faithful are encouraged to participate fully in the Eucharist, engage in worship, avoid unnecessary work and spend time with family and community.

While Lenten disciplines may be relaxed on Sundays, the Church encourages the faithful to continue the spirit of Lent through prayer and acts of charity. For example, if someone gives up sweets or social media for Lent, they may choose to refrain from those sacrifices on Sundays, but should still use the day as an opportunity for spiritual renewal rather than indulgence. The key is maintaining balance, ensuring that Sunday remains a day of worship, gratitude and reflection, rather than a day to simply “take a break” from Lent.

Ultimately, Sundays within Lent serve as both a moment of rest and a reminder of the greater hope of Easter. They allow for a rhythm of penance and joy, fasting and feasting, preparing us for the ultimate celebration of Christ’s Resurrection. Whether one chooses to relax certain Lenten disciplines or continue them uninterrupted, the most important focus should be worship, gratitude and drawing closer to God.

Discerning your Lenten commitments

Lent is a personal journey, and God calls each of us differently.

Here are the steps you can take to make this Lent a fruitful one:

1. Reflect on where you feel spiritually weak – do you need more prayer, self-discipline or generosity?
2. Choose one commitment for each category: prayer, fasting and almsgiving, but don’t overextend yourself — God calls us to faithfulness, not perfection.
3. Pray about how God is calling you to serve others this Lent.
4. Consider supporting a Catholic nonprofit like The Saint Paul Seminary to invest in the future of the Church.

If you haven’t already, take a moment to reflect: What is God calling you to do this Lent?