What to Expect During the Catholic Celebration of Lent
Each year, St. Agnes observes the Catholic celebration of Lent. Read on to learn more about what you can expect when observing the Lenten season.
In the Catholic faith, the season of Lent is a sacred time of reflection, sacrifice, and spiritual growth that lasts for a period of 40 days leading up to Easter Sunday. This solemn time serves as a period of preparation for the commemoration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
During the 40 days of Lent, Catholics worldwide engage in practices that deepen their faith and bring them closer to God. At St. Agnes Academy, all students are equipped with the resources and information they need to observe this Holy Season – regardless of prior histories or faith backgrounds.
If you are new to St. Agnes or the Catholic celebration of Lent, here is a brief overview of what you can expect during this transformative season that involves our Campus Ministry.
The Purpose of Lent in the Catholic Tradition
Contrary to popular belief, Lent is not just about giving up material comforts, abstaining from certain foods, or eating smaller meals on certain days. It’s a period of preparation and transformation.
Through the Lenten pillars of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, Catholics seek to grow spiritually, foster a deeper relationship with God, and embody the principles of love and service.
The ultimate goal of the Lenten season is preparation for Easter, the celebration of Christ’s resurrection. The sacrifices made during this time serve as a reminder of Christ’s selflessness and encourage Catholics to lead lives of greater purpose and compassion during the Lenten season and beyond.
Each small sacrifice made during Lent serves as a solemn reminder of Christ’s sacrifice and of His love for us.
The Pillars of Lent: Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving
As we’ve discussed, Lent is a time of solemn reflection, during which worshippers from all walks of life are invited to remember and engage in some of the values and practices that are integral to the Catholic faith.
Central to the Lenten season are the three pillars of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Here is a quick explanation of each of these pillars as they pertain to the season of Lent in the Catholic Church:
Prayer
Catholics are encouraged to deepen their prayer life in the days leading up to Easter by reading sacred scripture and spending time in reflection. This practice fosters a closer connection to God and an understanding of His will.
Fasting
Lenten fasting and abstinence during Lent are vital expressions of sacrifice. Catholics abstain from meat on Fridays during Lent, as well as on Ash Wednesday. Additionally, on Good Friday and Ash Wednesday, Catholics fast by limiting themselves to eat one full meal for the entire day.
Many Catholics also choose to sacrifice or “give up” a particular food, substance, or activity for the duration of the Lenten season to further deepen their observance of the period. The decision to fast and abstain from certain foods or activities is deeply personal for each individual.
Almsgiving
Catholics are called to engage in acts of charity during the Lenten season – such as giving to the poor or volunteering – because these acts are emblematic of the Christ-like spirit of selflessness that defines Lent.
These actions remind Catholics of their duty to serve others and encourage deeper reflection upon the love and compassion of Christ.
Key Dates During the Catholic Celebration of Lent
Each year during Lent, specific events and gatherings take place to help us center our focus during this season. Take note of the following events to help enrich your Lenten journey.
Ash Wednesday
On Ash Wednesday, worshippers engage in a solemn ritual during which they have ashes applied to their foreheads in the shape of a cross. These ashes are often derived from the previous year’s Palm Sunday branches, and they symbolize mortality and repentance.
On Ash Wednesday, Catholics are expected to limit themselves to one full meal, but they may also consume two smaller snacks that do not equate to a full meal. Catholics also abstain from eating meat on this Holy Day.
The Forty Days of Lent
The forty days of Lent that begin on Ash Wednesday are symbolic of the forty days Jesus spent fasting in the desert before beginning his public ministry. The days of Lent do not include Sundays, which are considered a time for celebration and reflection on Christ’s resurrection and the Lenten season ends three days before Easter Sunday on Holy Thursday.
Between Ash Wednesday and Holy Thursday, worshippers practice and observe the Pillars of Lent and are encouraged to attend Mass on a regular basis when possible. Worshippers may choose to attend Mass daily to deepen their connection with Christ during this time.
Holy Week: The Culmination of Lent
The final week of Lent, known as Holy Week, begins with Palm Sunday and ends with the Triduum — Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. This week is a profound time of reflection and commemoration that directly leads up to Easter Sunday:
- Holy Thursday: The Triduum begins at sundown on Holy Thursday. This day marks the Last Supper, where Jesus instituted the Eucharist and demonstrated servitude by washing the apostles’ feet.
- Good Friday: A day of solemnity and mourning, Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus. Catholics abstain from meat and fast on this day, reflecting on Christ’s ultimate sacrifice.
- Holy Saturday: This day prepares Catholics for the joyous celebration of Easter, focusing on prayer and anticipation of what is to come.
Embracing the Life Lessons of Lent
The lessons learned during Lent extend far beyond the 40-day observance. The discipline of abstaining from meat on Fridays, the commitment to prayer by reading sacred scripture, and the acts of charity performed during this time instill lasting values and deeply engrain a connection to Christ’s loving sacrifice.
The Lenten season offers Catholic worshippers the opportunity to recommit themselves to serving the Lord and others while reflecting upon many of our faith’s most critical tenets.
The Lenten Season at St. Agnes Academy
Whether a student comes from a Catholic faith background or has never before walked through the season of Lent, St. Agnes provides ample opportunities for community members to engage with this blessed liturgical season.
At our school, Mass is held at St. Agnes on Holy Thursday, and no classes are held on Good Friday or Easter Monday. Students are given ample time to enjoy the Catholic celebration of Lent with friends and family.
If you’re interested in learning more about the faith community at St. Agnes Academy or want more information about the Catholic values that drive our academic community, reach out today to speak to a member of our team.
