Christians around the world received ashes on their heads Feb. 18 as a sign of the start of Lent.
CatholicPhilly presents a set of resources to aid your spiritual journey in this penitential season before the Paschal Triduum and the feast of the Resurrection of the Lord on Easter Sunday, April 2.
Scripture and prayer
If you’re looking for a simple way to stay rooted in prayer this Lent, the daily Scripture readings from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops are an easy place to begin.
Engage with Lent through videos and messages from Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez on his Facebook page. Watch his video on Ash Wednesday.
In Pope Leo XIV’s Message for Lent, “Listening and Fasting: Lent as a Time of Conversion” he reflects on listening to God’s word, the spiritual purpose of fasting — with the invitation to abstain “from words that offend and hurt our neighbor” — and the importance of walking together as a community of faith. His message invites the Church to “place the mystery of God back in the center of our lives” and to embrace Lent as a season of renewed attentiveness, compassion, and conversion.
Spend a few minutes reading the Lenten reflections from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, which offer thoughtful guidance for walking with Christ through these 40 days.
Reflections on the Sunday Scripture readings by Msgr. Joseph Prior are featured each week on CatholicPhilly.
The seminary’s Catholic Preaching Institute offers its weekly Hearing the Word newsletter with reflections by a Scripture scholar and lay Catholic on the Sunday Gospel. Sign up for the newsletter here.
These apps make it easy to pray and stay connected throughout the Lenten season:
- Laudate – Daily readings, prayers, and Lenten resources
- Hallow – Guided meditations, prayer plans, and Lenten challenges
- Word on Fire Daily Reflections – Short reflections from Bishop Robert Barron
Almsgiving and Acts of Charity
Almsgiving invites us to share our blessings with others, reminding us that generosity is a powerful way to draw closer to Christ during Lent.
- Volunteer at a parish food pantry or community outreach program.
- Volunteer with Catholic Charities of Philadelphia, which offers year‑round opportunities to support individuals and families throughout Greater Philadelphia.
- Donate to Catholic Charities of Philadelphia or to initiatives like Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl or the Catholic Charities Appeal.
- Small daily acts of kindness can also be part of your Lenten journey such as a kind word, a check‑in call, or helping a neighbor.
Family Lenten Resources
If your family is hoping to walk through Lent together, there are plenty of kid‑friendly activities, prayers, and reflections designed to make the season meaningful for all ages.
- Loyola Press “Family Faith” Lenten Activities
- Many parishes and Catholic schools offer family nights, service projects, or children’s Stations of the Cross during Lent. Connect with your local faith community to make the most of these 40 days of Lent.
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