Loyola Press Lent resource for Catholic families

Lent is a yearly celebration of the Church in preparation for Easter. Lent has two major purposes: It recalls or prepares for Baptism, and emphasizes a spirit of penance. Through forty days of closer attention to God's Word and of more fervent prayer, we are prepared to celebrate the Paschal Mystery.

Lent is a privileged time for prayer, fasting and almsgiving. This season provides an opportunity to renew and deepen our relationship with Jesus, and to renew the choices we make, so that we might live as He taught. 

When is Lent?

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, and continues until the beginning of the Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday evening. The forty days represent the time Jesus spent in the wilderness, enduring the temptation of Satan and preparing to begin his ministry.