Lent 2023

The Season of Lent extends from Ash Wednesday until sundown on Holy Thursday. The traditional period of 40 days is calculated by excluding Sundays (recreation) and including Good Friday and Holy Saturday. It reflects the time Jesus spent in the wilderness before beginning his public ministry, when under severe testing by Satan (Mt 4:1-11; Mk 1:12-13; Lk 4:1-13), he clarified his purpose and deepened his awareness of, and relationship with, the life-giving Spirit of God. Accordingly, in Lent, we disciples of Jesus are called to clarify our purpose (sharing in his mission) and deepen our awareness of his ongoing presence with us through the same Holy Spirit. We do this through the three Lenten pillars:

• prayer,

• penance and

•  charity

as we prepare to welcome the risen Jesus anew on Easter Sunday.

Lenten observance:

1. Abstinence (ages 15+: no meat)

1. Ash Wednesday

2. Good Friday

2. Fasting (ages 19-59).

1. Fridays

1. acts of prayer

2. self-denial or

3. practical charity.