The Season of Lent
Begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Thursday in the evening – approximately 6 weeks.
In the Church’s Year, Lent precedes and prepares for Easter. It is a penitential season and a time of spiritual growth and a time for discerning and doing good. Traditionally we give more time to prayer, fasting and almsgiving (money given to the ‘poor’ or good causes). This helps us to say ‘Yes’ to God’s will and ‘No’ to our more selfish ways in order to become better followers of Jesus. The season begins by recalling the 40 days Jesus fasted in the desert and prepared to proclaim the Good News. When the 40 days are over, we know that the warmth and new life of spring are surely coming.
During Lent, we think about the ways we can reflect on the story of Jesus. Children learn about the Stations of the Cross and share this with parents and families. They also think of different ways that they can become closer to God and do things for those who are less fortunate.
