Lent is a 40-day season in the Church calendar, beginning on Ash Wednesday and concluding on Holy Saturday, in preparation for the celebration of Easter. During this time, we focus on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, reflecting on the 40 days that Jesus spent in the desert. Lent offers us an opportunity for spiritual growth, renewal, and repentance as we prepare our hearts for the joy of Christ’s Resurrection.
We look forward to journeying together through this holy season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. May this Lenten season bring you closer to God and inspire a deeper commitment to faith and service.
Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. In addition, Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence.
For members of the Latin Catholic Church, the norms on fasting are obligatory from age 18 until age 59. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal. The norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding upon members of the Latin Catholic Church from age 14 onwards.
If possible, the fast on Good Friday is continued until the Easter Vigil (on Holy Saturday night) as the "paschal fast" to honor the suffering and death of the Lord Jesus and to prepare ourselves to share more fully and to celebrate more readily his Resurrection. (USCCB, 2025)
Set Personal Goals: Consider areas of your spiritual life where you would like to grow. Whether it’s prayer, acts of charity, or personal sacrifices, setting meaningful goals can deepen your Lenten experience.
Participate in Parish Events: Join us for special Lenten activities such as Stations of the Cross, retreats, and Confession services. These events help us grow together as a faith community during this holy season.
Serve Others: Volunteer your time or make a donation to local charities to help those in need. Small acts of kindness can have a significant impact on others and bring us closer to Christ.
Stay Focused on Christ: Throughout Lent, keep your eyes on the ultimate goal—drawing closer to Jesus. Take time to reflect on His Passion and Resurrection, allowing His love to transform your heart.
Laudate
Available on: App Store | Google Play
Laudate is one of the most popular Catholic apps, providing daily Mass readings, prayers, rosary guides, and even the complete Bible. It’s a great tool for Lenten meditation and prayer.
iBreviary
Available on: App Store | Google Play
iBreviary offers the Liturgy of the Hours, daily Mass readings, and prayers for various occasions. It’s a perfect companion for daily prayer during Lent.
Hallow
Available on: App Store | Google Play
Hallow is a meditation app that offers guided prayer, including special Lenten content. From reflections to the rosary, Hallow provides a prayerful experience that can help strengthen your Lenten journey.
Magnificat
Available on: App Store | Google Play
Magnificat offers daily Mass readings, prayers, and meditations, and it provides a perfect way to stay spiritually nourished during Lent.
Accession App
Available on: App Store | Google Play
The Accession App offers a comprehensive selection of Catholic prayers, daily reflections, and liturgical resources, making it a useful tool for staying connected to your faith during Lent.
Catholic Relief Services - Operation Rice Bowl
Website: www.crs.org
CRS's Operation Rice Bowl is a great initiative for almsgiving during Lent, with resources that help Catholics serve the poor while reflecting on the meaning of fasting and charity.
Busted Halo - Lent Resources
Website: www.bustedhalo.com
Busted Halo offers engaging articles, podcasts, and daily Lenten reflections, helping you grow spiritually throughout the season.
Dynamic Catholic - Best Lent Ever
Website: www.dynamiccatholic.com
Dynamic Catholic offers a free email program called “Best Lent Ever” to guide you through daily challenges and reflections during Lent. It’s a simple, yet powerful, way to make this Lenten season more meaningful.
Magnificat (Website version)
Website: www.magnificat.com
For those who prefer a printed or digital version, Magnificat provides the daily Mass readings, prayers, and meditations—helping you stay grounded in prayer during Lent.
Contact Us:
Phone: (925) 757-4020
Email: [email protected]
"But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you."— Matthew 6:17-18