Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 26, and it's coming up soon! For most people, Lent is the time when they give something up ( maybe something to do with a dropped NY resolution). Or maybe they resolve to add one thing ( I vow to...every day). The truth is, Lent isn't about resolutions at all. It's a journey. And it's one that you take alone (at times), with your family (all the time), and with the parish community (at really important times).

The Journey Begins

Your Lenten Journey starts on Ash Wednesday, when we are reminded that we are from dust, and unto dust we shall return. Really, this is a reminder that it is only through Jesus that we will live forever. The rest is just dust, in the end.

With that in mind and heart, we walk alongside Jesus for 40 days. He knew what his future on earth held and what he would have to endure. We know, too.

So, then...

Have you made time to think about his sacrifice for us? To  really think about it? Could you have done it? What about Mary's sacrifice as a mother? Could you watch your child endure all of that? Lent is the time to contemplate these things. 

We walk with him

Jesus's sacrifice was immense, ineffable. How can we accompany him on his journey to the Cross? 

We can pray with him, just like he asked his disciples to do in the Garden, and we can ask God to help us follow his will–just like Jesus did, even upon his most difficult task.

We can sacrifice for him and deepen those prayers by fasting.

We can follow his final and greatest commandment to love one another by giving (alms, time, love...whatever we value) to others. 

Help for you along the way

This is a lot. Lent isn't easy. Need a little nourishment on the way? We've curated great ideas for you and your family to help you on your Lenten journey. Prayers, blessings, kid crafts, activities, digital retreats, meditations, and more. Click here to explore Lent Resources. 

Lean on us!

Walk together with the St. Anthony Parish Community. We're offering prayer and sacrament opportunities (Stations of the Cross & Reconciliation), fellowship (Fish Fry!), formation opportunities (Fr. Terry Fisher), beautiful Holy Week liturgies, and more! Click here for a full listing of Parish Lent Events. 
 

---

Printable St. A Lent Calendar (for your fridge)
Fish Fry Ticket Form

This article is a part of the St. Anthony Parent Blog, Let Your Own Light Shine, housed on the Parent Particulars page at school.stasb.org/parents.