Growing Spiritually

Lent is the Church's penitential season. It is a time for conversion, during which we are asked to be prayerful, to do penance, to fast, and to perform charitable works. We take time to look at our relationship with God and with others, and to decide how we need to change.

In order to grow spiritually, we need to have a sense of who we are. The season of Lent takes us on a spiritual journey toward knowing ourselves better. We evaluate how well our lives correspond to what we value spiritually. We measure our actions according to the Ten Commandments and Jesus' law of love. Such reflection involves a truthful examination of conscience—not to make us feel unworthy or guilty, but for the purpose of getting to know ourselves better.

If we admit that we are not perfect, we can be open to the urgings of the Spirit. We can let the Holy Spirit be the conscious force in our everyday lives. This will help us make the necessary changes to become more Christlike.

Family Activity

	Create your family’s own Lenten prayer, and then set aside a time daily to share it together throughout the season.

	•		Consider who to address in the prayer.
	•		What will you ask for to help you grow during your Lenten journey?
	•		What are you already thankful for?
	•		Conclude your prayer.
	•		Share the prayer together.

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