For those preparing to become Catholic—whether catechumens (who will receive all three sacraments of initiation: baptism, confirmation and the Eucharist) or candidates (baptized Christians who will receive confirmation and the Eucharist)—Lent is a period of learning and spiritual formation that leads to their coming into full communion with our Lord Jesus Christ and his Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil. For existing Catholics, Lent is an opportunity to reflect on their faith and strengthen their relationship with God and others through prayer, fasting, acts of charity, and spiritual reading.
Each year, then, by calling us to turn away from sin and soul-sapping distractions, Lent helps us focus on what truly matters, drawing us closer to God as we prepare to celebrate the triumphant joy of the Easter season.
Watch: How to Lent.
“So, Ash Wednesday is just around the corner… I guess it’s time to start thinking about Lent. But what is Lent, and why does it matter?”
If you have thought this way, you are not alone. In this introduction, we will turn to Scripture to answer these questions and explore the Lenten disciplines of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. You’ll walk away from this episode understanding the “why” behind each Lenten practices and will be prepared to live this Lent differently.
After the session: Watch the next 3 videos in the How to Lent series.