Lenten Practices

Fasting and Abstinence

During Lent we are asked to fast and abstain. The word fast means “to go with little or no food.” Fasting also can mean to give up one or more favorite foods or beverages, or even to give up a favorite activity. We might also fast from selfish acts or hurtful words.

As a whole church we fast from food on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Individually, we often choose to fast from something we like, such as sweets, snacks, or a particular activity, for Lent, asking each other, “What are you giving up for Lent?”

The word abstain means “to do without one kind of food or beverage.” The Church asks us to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays during Lent.

Way of the Cross / Stations of the Cross

One way we remember Jesus’ sacrifice and great love for us is by recalling his journey to Calvary. Calvary is the hill where Jesus died. We call this special devotion the Way of the Cross or the Stations of the Cross. Sometimes Christians visit the Holy Land, Israel, and actually walk the same path as Jesus. More often we reflect and pray at the stations (plaques, pictures or statues) in our church.

There is no one way to pray this traditional Lenten devotion. Sometimes the priest, deacon, or lay minister leads the group from station to station inside the church, or outside on parish grounds. Sometimes we reflect and pray on our own. At each station we recall what took place at that point in Jesus’ journey to Calvary. We pause for silent prayer, and then sing a hymn.

Often an extra station of the cross is added to the first fourteen. This 15th station represents the Resurrection and tells of our belief that Jesus’ story didn’t end with his death on the cross. We remember with joy that Jesus sacrifice end in new life for him and for us.

Prayer Space

Some families create a special prayer space in their home where they share family prayers during Lent. You may want to cover a table with a purple cloth and then place items which remind your family of God on this table: a cross or crucifix, a Bible, a candle, etc.

Explain that purple is the traditional color for Lent. It signifies sorrow for sin and our willingness to do penance. Also, point out that the cross is the most important Christian symbol. We, too, must be willing to take you our own cross if we wish to follow Jesus.

This Lent

Perhaps this year your family will mark Lent in a special way. One possibility is the attached Lenten Cross. It has 40 different activities, one for each day of Lent. As we sacrifice and perform each activity, we remember Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross in a special way.