Lent is a season of seemingly contradictory blessings. It is both sorrow and hope. Self-denial and self-giving. Repentance and rebirth. On one hand, we focus on sin and penance. We pray, fast, and give to others remembering the great sacrifice the Lord made for our sins. On the other hand, we journey with the Catechumens toward their initiation, recalling the joy and hope of our own Baptismal promises. This combination of Penance and Baptism focuses our attention on preparation. Lent is our chance to truly reject sin, accept our call to holiness, and prepare for the most important day in all of salvation history: the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a chance for us to prepare our souls by sharing His suffering, imitating His love, and living a life worthy of His mercy. This year, vow to make Lent your opportunity for greater spiritual growth and deeper personal conversion.

Lent is a time of praying, fasting, and almsgiving. It allows us to join Christ in His forty-days of praying, fasting, and battling the temptations of the Devil. Beyond the traditional fasting and abstaining, it is salutary custom to give something up for Lent. This discipline of self-denial helps break our attachment to worldly things and increases our ability to turn away when sinful desires present themselves. To get the most out of your Lenten journey, there are many other practices you can consider. Here are a few suggestions:

Go to confession. Spend time at Eucharistic Adoration. Say morning and evening prayers. Attend Mass daily. Examine your conscience each night before bed. Say the rosary with your family. Read the Gospels. Do the Stations of the Cross at church, at home, or online. Pray in your car. Visit the sick and elderly. Read the Catechism. Devote Sunday to God. Help the poor. Read the writings of the Popes, Church Fathers and Doctors. Pray the Liturgy of the Hours. Remember to pray before meals, even when eating away from home. Pray for the Pope. Pray for Bishop Morlino. Pray for Father Randy. Read the life of a Saint. Fast on days when it isn't required. Share your faith with someone you know. Make an effort to learn more about Christ and the Church. Watch The Passion of Christ. Read the daily readings. Find Christ in others, even those you don't like. Pray for an end to abortion. Forgive someone. Say an Act of Contrition every day. Listen to Catholic music, MP3s, or radio stations.

- Catholics 14 and older must abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent.

- Catholics 18-58 must fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Only one, full, meatless meal is allowed on these two days of fast. Two other meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to one's needs. However, together, they should not equal a full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted, but liquids are allowed. The obligation does not apply to pregnant or nursing mothers, or to those whose health or ability to work would be seriously affected.

Join us Fridays at 2:30 for Stations of the Cross at Saint John Vianney Church