Preparing for Lent

LENT: The Biblical Roots

Where does Lent come from? Lent draws its inspiration from the 40 days Jesus spent in the dessert. As Christians, we spiritually enter into our own desert to unite ourselves to Jesus.

The Gospels tell us that after His baptism, Jesus fasted in the desert and then was tempted by the devil. He resisted these temptations and then went to Galilee to begin His public ministry. When we unite ourselves to Him we also grow in strength to resist the temptations of the devil, the world, and the flesh.

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WHAT DO WE DO DURING LENT?

ASH WEDNESDAY- FEBRUARY 18TH 2026

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday with fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. Catholics are required to fast and pray. FASTING RULES are as follows:

Ages 0-13: Fasting is not required but parents can introduce some form of fasting to their children to prepare them for when they are older, preferably to give up meat and sweets.
Ages 14-17: NO MEAT, no meal size restriction but recommended if willing.
Ages 18-59: NO MEAT, fasting includes one full meal plus two smaller meals not equal to a full meal. Additional restrictions are voluntary bit not required.
Ages 60+: NO MEAT, fasting is not required but encouraged if the body is healthy and able.

In addition to fasting, we are required to spend time in prayer. The most perfect prayer is the Sacrifice of the Mass. Here is the schedule for our Ash Wednesday celebrations at Saint Malachy's:

9:00 Mass with Ashes
4:00 Children's Mass with Ashes
5:30 Mass for working families with Ashes
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WHAT ARE THE ASHES GIVEN OUT ON ASH WEDNESDAY?

During the Ash Wednesday service, ashes are placed on the forehead of each participant in the shape of the cross. The words are said "Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return." or "Repent, turn away from sin, and believe in the Gospels."

​The ashes used are made from the palm fronds left over from last year's Palm Sunday.

ALMSGIVING

There are many ways to give alms to the church. You can give of your time, your talent, or your treasure. The church has been tasked with actively engaging in the Corporal Works of Mercy every day. There are several ministries that are specifically devoted to this, such as the Saint Vincent DePaul Society. The alms you give (time, talent, or treasure) is used by them to help those in our community who are most in need. 

You and your family should pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit and decide upon a particular way to give alms to the parish. Suggestions and opportunities will be made available on how to participate in parish almsgiving practices, but you can always give on your own. You can start by giving the cost of one meal in the basket at church on Ash Wednesday.

MORE TO COME ON LENT AND HOW TO OBSERVE IT IN THE NEXT BLOGGET...