We’re still in the early stages of Lent, so if you haven’t gotten your plans for prayer, fasting and almsgiving in place yet, it’s not too late! I thought I’d draw on the wisdom of a few members of our rectory and school staff to share their own Lenten practices. Hopefully these might give you some ideas you can incorporate into your own observance of the season.
Joseph Beck (2nd Grade Teacher): I’ll be adding spiritual reading to my daily routine, in addition to reading the Bible daily.
Amy Tatay (Parish Secretary): During Lent I prefer to spend more time focusing on “doing” something that helps my faith grow. I plan to listen to Fr. Mike Schmitz’s podcast Bible in a Year. I did this last year too, but because there’s so much to comprehend, I’m listening to it again this year. The Great Adventure Timeline helps bring the Bible together and then Fr. Mike explains it, making it easier to understand. Ascension Press has many available options; Catechism in a Year, Rosary in a Year; you are bound to find what you’re looking for. Listening to this podcast has become part of my morning routine and not only just at Lent but the entire year. I highly recommend it!
Lindsey Barrett (Music Director): For prayer, I usually make a more concerted effort to pray the Liturgy of the Hours. As far as Lenten practices … (we) have often refrained from purchasing prepared food and drink (or eating out) in an effort to fast from convenience and spend more time preparing food together.
Aurelia Wishart (Catechesis of the Good Shepherd): The past few years I have done a small but simple thing that has transformed Lent for me: I have asked God what He wants me to do as my Lenten practice instead of doing whatever I think I should do. I find that He is more concerned with drawing me to Himself than having me take up an intense fast/practice.
Tami Goy (Middle School Religion Teacher): I typically use a Lenten prayer book. I’ve used the Magnificat and Bishop Barron’s Lenten reflections. This past Advent I discovered a Padre Pio book that I enjoyed and found that there is also a Lent book based on Padre Pio that I plan to purchase. Another thing I do during Lent is try to go to Confession every week.
Whether or not your Lenten practices look exactly like these, be sure not to let this season slip by you. Forty days isn’t that long, but it’s long enough to put some good habits into practice that can allow our relationship with the Lord to deepen to a whole new level.
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