Starting on Ash Wednesday and lasting six weeks until Easter Sunday, Lent is a time for Christians to reflect on their faith and deepen their relationship with God.
Catholic Extension Society’s mission is to work in solidarity with people to build up vibrant and transformative Catholic faith communities among the poor and in the poorest regions of America.
Our donors help us support Catholic faith communities year-round, but Lent offers a special time for us reflect on God’s self-sacrificial love for every person.
As Pope Francis said, “Lent summons us, and enables us, to come back to the Lord wholeheartedly and in every aspect of our life.”
Below are six ways to help you observe Lent this year.
1. Pray
Meaningful prayer is the foundation of Lent. Allow time for daily quiet prayer, whether in solitude or in community worship. Try a form of prayer you don’t usually practice, such as praying the Stations of the Cross. You can listen to an audio recording to join in the prayers and also see visuals of the stations from various churches in Extension dioceses here.
2. Listen to our Catholic podcast series
Enrich your spiritual Lenten journey by tuning into our podcast series, The American Catholic Spirit. These stories highlight the diverse Catholic communities we support across America. Hear from the people living on the margins in places such as the cherry fields of Washington state or the earthquake-struck Puerto Rican town of Guayanilla. You can explore each community’s faith, hope and resilience. Play our eight episodes here, on Spotify, Apple Music or your preferred podcast platform.
3. Read weekly Lenten reflections
Catholic Extension Society offers free Lenten reflections to help you deepen your faith, renew your spirit, and come closer to Jesus during this time of prayer and reflection. Each Sunday, you will receive a reflection on the Gospel, written by renowned theologian and author, John Shea, that you can use to meditate and contemplate throughout the season. Sign up here to receive our free Lenten reflections directly to your inbox.
4. Become a Parish Partner
Does your parish wish to fundraise this Lenten season to support a poor community? Join Catholic Extension Society’s Parish Partnership program today to directly support another Catholic faith community in need—St. Anthony Mission and School, pictured above, located in the Zuni Pueblo in New Mexico. We provide you with materials to help structure your fundraising program. Get involved today to make a big difference for those in need beyond your own parish borders.
5. Read inspiring stories about Catholic leaders making a difference
This Lent, find inspiration in our stories about the Church’s positive impact on society. Our articles highlight the wonderful and hope-filled works of the Catholic Church. Check out our latest stories, or read these articles below:
Prepared to revive the Church: Young leaders bring innovative solutions to ministry
As grocery costs rise, this Alabama parish pantry puts ‘food in their belly, then in their soul’
These missionary sisters in Texas are making thousands of new friends
6. Donate to help the poor
Lent also calls us to practice almsgiving by donating to a charity dedicated to helping our poor neighbors. This Lent, you can support the mission of Catholic Extension Society or another of your favorite charities.
By donating to Catholic Extension Society today, you will support our mission to build up vibrant and transformative Catholic faith communities among the poor and in America’s poorest regions.
Our president, Father Jack Wall, wrote in a letter to our supporters, “Our Lenten season calls us to prayer and reflection, as well as sacrifice through almsgiving. And so, my sincerest prayer for the Lenten season is that God may bless all of you for the gift of prayer and almsgiving that you have already provided us.”
We wish you a blessed season as you enter Lent with a generous and open heart.
