The number forty became a significant number in Scripture, in both the Old Testament and the New Testament, because many important events elapsed during a forty-hour, forty-day, or forty-year span. The Israelites wandered in the desert for forty years. Jesus fasted in the desert for forty days and forty nights.



In the same vein, the Lenten season gives us forty days to renew ourselves mentally, physically, and spiritually for Easter. New life awaits us on Easter, if we are prepared to welcome the Risen Christ.

During Lent we walk with Jesus through his passion and death. As Jesus sacrificed his life for us, we offer in return small sacrifices of time, talent, or treasure as means of living the Christian life more deeply. As Jesus died on the cross, we are called as individuals and as a church community to die to self and to live only for Jesus Christ.

Family Activity

	Invite your children to write Lenten slogans. Give them an example, such as Lent: A Time to Run in the Race, or Walk with Jesus This Lent or Go for the Gold of Easter.

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