How to Observe Lent: Family Tips and Suggestions

Lent is the forty day period beginning on Ash Wednesday and ending on Holy Thursday. Christians celebrate the Season of Lent to reflect the death and amazing Resurrection of Jesus Christ. As a Catholic household, we fast, sacrifice and pray. However, you do not have to be Catholic to do any of these activities. If you even have a bit of faith the size of a mustard seed, then you can practice Lent too. In our house, Lent is a big deal with traditions, fasting, Bible, Mass, reconciliation and giving.

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday is the start of the season of Lent. Ash Wednesday is when people receive ashes on their forehead from a priest. The ashes represent that we are mortal, and we need forgiveness for our sins.  We will die and return to Christ one day. We don’t know when the day might be, but we should be as ready as possible. If you choose, you can wash off the ashes whenever you feel the need.  Every year, Ash Wednesday falls on a different date so check your calendar so it’s not missed. The date has to do with the full moon and the spring equinox.

Fasting

Catholics fast from unnecessary eating of food, and we avoid meat on Ash Wednesday and Fridays during Lent. Fish is acceptable. Fasting helps us refocus our attention on God and not worldly needs.  If you can’t fast due to medical, health, pregnancy/nursing, or younger than 14, older than 59m- that is perfectly acceptable.  You know your capabilities and so does God.   He wouldn’t want you to put any health in jeopardy.  Every Friday, Catholics abstain from meat and on Good Friday, we also fast again. By fasting, I mean to eat a little less or skip a meal.

Lent in our home

In our family, we strive to take Lent seriously.  We do not eat meat on Fridays / Ash Wednesday/Good Friday. We donate money, food and clothes to others.  I used to give up candy etc, but I started adding something to make a more meaningful relationship with God.  I pray, add the Rosary, read the Bible and listen to my Hallow app.  With the children, I try to pray the Rosary with them, discuss the significance of the action of the crucifixion. We also talk about the importance of repentance. They also try to be more kind and gentle with others.  They give up things like YouTube, technology and sweets. Understanding why we do what we do is necessary or Lent just becomes senseless acts.

Sacrament of Reconciliation

Confession (Sacrament of Reconciliation)is a common Lent activity.   We are encouraged to participate in confession multiple times a year or month. In Catholicism, we go to a priest and tell them how we can improve to ask for forgiveness.  I can’t tell you how amazing confession feels after you hear that your sins have been forgiven.  We sin so admitting sins and asking for forgiveness isn’t only refreshing but draws you closer to God.  After confession, I can’t stop smiling and just feel glowing inside and out.

Think about a relationship that is broken – friend, family member, spouse, co worker.   Then, you finally reconcile and your heart feels full of love/relief.   You feel a reconnection.  God wants that reconnection with you.  That’s the power of confession (Sacrament of Reconciliation.)  Reconnection with God our Father.

Having cerebral palsy makes confession challenging.  My speech makes speaking clearly difficult when I’m nervous and,  of course, everyone is nervous when confessing.  However, once I start, my body begins to relax and words come especially after praying to the Holy Spirit.  Everyone can confess – no matter where you are in your life.  Letting go of sins, hearing that God forgives you and striving to sin no more.  We should try to confess during Lent.   Yes, you can confess privately, but there is something inspiring about saying it aloud and hearing that our sins are forgiven.

Lent Suggestions

1. Practice saying every word with love, kindness and patience. However you speak and act are important,
2. Fast – do away with something or an activity that isn’t good for your soul. This can be food or an activity.
3. Try something that is good for your soul. – More time with family, volunteer, prayer.
4. Reconcile with others. – Forgive others and seek forgiveness. Forgiveness is a gift for you and them.
5. Donate whatever you can. – Go through your clothes to donate, food, money or your time.
6. Go to Mass or Church. Church isn’t designed for the perfect – it’s for everyone to be closer to the one who loves you and will love you for eternity.
7. Pray – Prayer is just a conversation with God. Just talk to God like He is your friend because He loves you so much.

Remember if you make a mistake or have forgotten your Lenten promises on some days, just strive to try again the next.  God is always here for you – good and bad days.  He’s waiting for you to talk to Him.