By Susan Ciancio
Lent is here! We now have an amazing opportunity to spend the next several weeks building our faith, growing closer to God, and shining the light of Christ to others.
Some years it feels like we run out of ideas for Lent. We spend days beforehand wondering what to do or how to spend our time. Traditionally, people give things up for Lent. Sacrifice is great! But we must do more. When we do more—for ourselves and others—we strengthen our faith. And when we strengthen our own faith, we not only build a stronger relationship between us and God, but we build a culture of life here on earth.
So, this year, let’s get excited, and “Lent’s” do better! We have come up with seven unique ways to fill the days of Lent, and whether you do one or all of these things, you are sure to find that you have grown as a person and as a Catholic come the day of Christ’s Resurrection.
1. Visit the Lenten Station Churches in Rome (virtually) with Mountain Butorac, The Catholic Traveler
Every day, you can follow along with Mountain as he takes you to each of the traditional Lenten Station Churches. This is a fantastic way to not only see some of the most beautiful churches in Rome, but to increase your knowledge of theology and learn a little history as well. Grab the family and sit down for a few minutes of religion, architecture, culture, and history.
2. Listen to Fr. Mike Schmitz’s Bible in a Year or Catechism in a Year podcast
Nothing brings us closer to God than listening to His word. Both of these podcasts started again on January 1, but you can start anytime and go at your own pace. Episodes range from nine to about 25 minutes long, depending on which podcast you choose. Fr. Mike reads from the Bible or the Catechism and then explains what he read. His exuberance and his love for God shine through in both his reading and in his explanations. So turn off the TV, put away phones, and become transformed by the word of God so lovingly read.
3. Create 40 days of thankfulness
Even during difficult times, we all have so much to be thankful for. Sometimes we forget how much we have. That’s why it’s vital to reflect on our blessings. When we do so, we begin to appreciate them more. Buy a journal, or just grab an extra notebook that you have lying around, and put it somewhere where everyone in the family can access it. Every day of Lent, write several things that you are thankful for, even if they’re small things. Read through it every few days with your family. You will be amazed at how many wonderful things happen to you each and every moment.
4. Join the Lent Pray40 Challenge
Hallow—a Catholic app that leads listeners in prayer—has begun a Lent Pray40 Community Challenge, where every day Jonathan Roumie (who plays Jesus in The Chosen), Mark Wahlberg, Fr. Mike Schmitz, and others read from and reflect upon Fr. Walter Ciszek’s book He Leadeth Me. It’s not too late to begin and catch up. Most episodes are eight to nine minutes long.
5. Watch a movie with a pro-life theme each weekend
The Culture of Life Studies Program has numerous movie suggestions—and even free discussion guides to help you process the film—on our site. As parents, we know that there are a lot of junky movies out there. But there are also many awesome movies that show the beauty of life and love and that will spur great conversations in your family. So instead of watching The Avengers for the 15th time, try one of our suggestions!
6. Teach your children to live the Corporal Works of Mercy
We live in world fraught with poverty, hopelessness, and despair. While we may not be able to change much globally, we can do things on our own to help those in need in our communities. Choose one of the Corporal Works of Mercy to perform each week with your family. Maybe it’s shopping for baby items for a pregnancy help center. Maybe it’s bagging non-perishable items for the homeless and then handing them out. Maybe it’s visiting a sick neighbor or taking a meal to someone in need. The possibilities are endless. As a family, discuss why you are doing this and how this helps others. Then discuss that, when we do things for others, we are also doing them for God.
7. Journey through Lent with the Holy Spirit
Download A Lenten Journey with the Holy Spirit and the Saints—our free daily reflection booklet that will guide you through each day. Our guide uses the wisdom of the saints, scripture, and the Catechism to help you on your journey to showing all people that they are loved and respected members of the human family.
We hope you have a wonderful and transformative Lent, and we hope you take the time to build a culture of life in these unique ways as we walk the path of Calvary with Christ.