In preparation for Easter, we observe Lent beginning on Ash Wednesday (March 2 this year). This period serves as a time of preparation where we can journey over 40 days, just like Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness, and focus ourselves on his sacrifice.

Forgoing or giving up something that is standard in our lives (TV, coffee, sweets, etc.) is a common practice during Lent, also done to remind us of Christ’s sacrifice. An alternative, however, to giving up something for Lent could be instead to take on a new action that has the intention to help you grow deeper in your faith.

With the start of Lent soon approaching, we encourage you to discern how you plan to journey alongside Jesus.

Here are some suggestions of actions you can take on this Lent:

Read scripture — "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

  • Read your Bible. For example, pick a book in the Bible and commit to reading a chapter each day.

  • Follow a plan in a Bible app, which often includes a reflection and some selected verses.

  • Read the missal for Mass readings before Mass so you’ve had the opportunity to familiarize yourself with them.

Reading scripture is a great way to grow deeper in your relationship with God. You learn of God’s plans and purposes for our lives. You learn more about who God is and his truth found in his word.

Pray — “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

  • Pray the Rosary. This practice offers a guided opportunity to engage in prayers and dedicate time to reflect on his mysteries.

  • Meditate on the Stations of the Cross. This is particularly good to prepare for Good Friday and can help to make Jesus' sacrifice on the Cross more meaningful to you.

  • Simply talk to God. If you’re not sure where to start, I’ve always loved Pope Francis’ ‘Five Finger Prayer’ technique, which gives you five suggestions of who to pray for: the ones we love, the ones that teach and direct us, world leaders, the sick and vulnerable, and finally yourself.

    When we spend time in prayer, we are spending time in conversation with God; it’s an opportunity to build a relationship with the one we love.

Connect — “Where two or more gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20)


  • Join a Life Group. Connect with other Christians to spend time in fellowship and community. This can be for the duration of Lent only or a permanent group. You can start one and invite some friends.

  • Start a Word Web group where you connect daily or weekly with friends to discuss the week’s scripture readings and how you understand the scriptures in your life.

  • Join a Bible study group to learn more about God’s word and how it can be applied to your walk with God.

Listen — “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17)

  • Subscribe to a podcast where Christian leaders talk at length about various faith- related topics. Get inspired and motivated by God’s disciples from across the globe.

  • Follow YouTube channels by fellow Catholics and priests. We have two amazing homilists in both Fr. Simon and Fr. Alex, but they have some brother priests that have some incredible homilies that you can find online.

  • Watch daily Mass online, especially if you are unable to attend Mass in person.

Use these opportunities to learn from other leaders and grow in your understanding of being a disciple.

Actions — “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

You can serve God in daily acts of kindness:

  • Call people on the phone or have socially- distanced conversations with someone you know who may be suffering from loneliness. Checking in, listening, and showing someone you care about them goes a long way in making that person feel loved.

  • Compliments and words of affirmation. Let people know you appreciate them and what they do. Tell the cart collector at the grocery store you appreciate their efforts in gathering carts in this cold weather, or give a thumbs up to bus drivers on their route.

  • Write a letter or send a card to the residents of a nursing home, hospital, or school staff.

  • Keep a box of granola bars in your car so you can pass one to anyone you see on the street that may be struggling with hunger.

This is a great way to put God’s love in action. Show your love for him by what you do for others.

Spend some time this Lent engaging in ways to grow your faith so you can make Jesus’ sacrifice and his resurrection even more meaningful.