progress of your spiritual growth, and, in keeping with ancient tradition, Sundays as days of rest from your
chosen practice. Sundays, therefore, are not counted among the forty days of Lent.
THE LENTEN CALENDAR
1) Ash Wednesday. Open yourself to new ideas and attitudes. What have you learned in the past about
your faith that you now suspect was incorrect or incomplete? How can you more fully open your heart and mind
to the teaching and example of Christ? This will be our over-arching theme throughout the forty days of Lent. As
a mark of commitment to your chosen Lenten practice, attend Mass and receive the sign of the ashes, which
symbolize dying to the body, and rebirth in the Spirit.
2) Thursday. Open yourself to new actions or habits. Inertia often rules our lives. If asked, “Why do you do
such and so?” a common reply would be “I’ve always done it that way.” Today, examine why you have made the
choices you have, and for whom. Begin to think about what habits or choices you can change, to live your life
more fully in the service of God and your neighbors.
3) Friday. Open yourself to new people. Get to know someone better - invite a stranger, a friend, or a
church member to a simple dinner. Sharing a meal is a great way to open your heart to new friends.
4) Saturday. After several days of reflection, choose your Lenten practice today. Don’t necessarily focus on
giving up something (though now would be a good time to stop smoking, give up fatty foods, and so on). Instead,
why not consider taking on something that would help you break free of what keeps you separated from God.
Examples? You could volunteer weekly with a hot lunch program, a food bank, or a committee of your church.
You might resolve to begin a practice of daily prayer or meditation. Or here’s a simple idea: begin a regular habit
of saying grace before family meals, thanking God for the blessings you have received.
First Sunday in Lent (attend Mass) - Intent: Self-Examination. Read John
3:16 – 21.
5) Monday. Find a place of solitude. Practice a few moments each day of silent reflection, prayer, or
meditation. Many of us wonder why we don’t seem to hear God’s voice. Sometimes His voice is a quiet one,
drowned out by the noise and busy-ness of our hectic lives. Sit quietly and listen, in the spirit of the our Creator’s
advice to “be still, and know that I am God.”
6) Tuesday. Resolve to begin a program of spiritual reading or study. Attendance at church discussion
groups is one way to learn more, while also strengthening your relationships with fellow members of your
community of faith.
Click here for page 3
chosen practice. Sundays, therefore, are not counted among the forty days of Lent.
THE LENTEN CALENDAR
1) Ash Wednesday. Open yourself to new ideas and attitudes. What have you learned in the past about
your faith that you now suspect was incorrect or incomplete? How can you more fully open your heart and mind
to the teaching and example of Christ? This will be our over-arching theme throughout the forty days of Lent. As
a mark of commitment to your chosen Lenten practice, attend Mass and receive the sign of the ashes, which
symbolize dying to the body, and rebirth in the Spirit.
2) Thursday. Open yourself to new actions or habits. Inertia often rules our lives. If asked, “Why do you do
such and so?” a common reply would be “I’ve always done it that way.” Today, examine why you have made the
choices you have, and for whom. Begin to think about what habits or choices you can change, to live your life
more fully in the service of God and your neighbors.
3) Friday. Open yourself to new people. Get to know someone better - invite a stranger, a friend, or a
church member to a simple dinner. Sharing a meal is a great way to open your heart to new friends.
4) Saturday. After several days of reflection, choose your Lenten practice today. Don’t necessarily focus on
giving up something (though now would be a good time to stop smoking, give up fatty foods, and so on). Instead,
why not consider taking on something that would help you break free of what keeps you separated from God.
Examples? You could volunteer weekly with a hot lunch program, a food bank, or a committee of your church.
You might resolve to begin a practice of daily prayer or meditation. Or here’s a simple idea: begin a regular habit
of saying grace before family meals, thanking God for the blessings you have received.
First Sunday in Lent (attend Mass) - Intent: Self-Examination. Read John
3:16 – 21.
5) Monday. Find a place of solitude. Practice a few moments each day of silent reflection, prayer, or
meditation. Many of us wonder why we don’t seem to hear God’s voice. Sometimes His voice is a quiet one,
drowned out by the noise and busy-ness of our hectic lives. Sit quietly and listen, in the spirit of the our Creator’s
advice to “be still, and know that I am God.”
6) Tuesday. Resolve to begin a program of spiritual reading or study. Attendance at church discussion
groups is one way to learn more, while also strengthening your relationships with fellow members of your
community of faith.
Click here for page 3
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