Lent is the Church’s season of forty days of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving in preparation for the great Feast of the Resurrection, or Easter. For forty days, Christians recall how Jesus lived, suffered, and died for the sins of all humankind. It is a solemn time in the church year when we are asked to consider how we have sinned and turned away from God.



During the season of Lent, we focus on Jesus. As his followers we are called to imitate his life and teachings. Jesus fasted and prayed in the desert for forty days before he was baptized by John in the Jordan River. We fast and pray during Lent in preparation for Easter Sunday, when we will rejoice that Jesus is not still in the tomb but alive with us each day. By fasting and praying we become more like Jesus, whose entire life was focused on doing the will of his Father in heaven.

Christians are also called upon to give alms, or money, to those who are in need. Again we take our cue from Jesus, who always showed a special love for the poor. By taking time to care for the poor and all those in need, we take time to care for Jesus himself. "Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:40)


Family Activity

	Work together to create a large poster about Lent. Have a figure of Jesus already on the poster along with the words "Come! Follow me!"

	•		Cut a footprint shape for each family member out of purple construction paper. Each person can write his or her first name on the prints. They could also write on their footprints what they are planning to do during Lent to follow Jesus.
	•		Arrange the prints behind the figure of Jesus on the poster to show the family’s willingness to follow Jesus through Lent.
	•		Keep the poster in the prayer corner until after Easter as a reminder of these Lenten promises.

See the Liturgical Calendar on this site for additional information.
See also Catechist—Lent or Teacher—Lent for Liturgy.