Lent 2025
-
LentMarch 5 - April 20, 2025 -
Lenten Practices
-
-
Prayer
Lent is a time to deepen our relationship with God. The liturgical season originates from a special time of preparation for those who would be baptized at the Easter Vigil. Embracing Christ and His Cross was not easy then, and it is not easy now. It demands our attention. The early Christian community recognized that the Catechumens needed time to prepare to renew their Baptismal promises, so they journeyed with those men and women in prayer through Lent.
How can you pray this Lent?Create some quiet time in your day. We live busy lives with lots of noise around us, making it hard to hear God’s loving call. Consider using the quiet time life offers: taking a shower, getting ready for the day, or driving to work/school. Turn your attention to God and breathe in His loving grace.
Attend daily Mass* if your schedule allows, or meditate with the daily readings. Daily Masses at St. Austin takes place at 8:00 AM Monday through Thursday, and at 8:15 AM on Fridays during the school year.
Join a Living the Eucharist small group - registration closes on Thursday, March 6th
Join St. Austin in praying the Stations of the Cross in the church every Friday at 6:30 PM during Lent.
Spend some quality time with God in Eucharistic Adoration, taking place at St. Austin each Wednesday during Lent (except Ash Wednesday) from 7:00 to 8:00 PM.
* We livestream Mass at 8:00 a.m. Monday through Friday on our website, YouTube and Facebook platforms. We record the Liturgy of the Word for you to watch after the livestream.
-
-
-
Fasting & AbstinenceAsh Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. In addition, Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence.
Here are the guidelines for fasting and abstinence for members of the Catholic Church between the ages of 18 and age 59:- Fasting - a person may eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal
- Abstinence - a person eats no meat on days of abstinence
We offer a reflection on fasting written by Sr. Sharon at Adventures in the Archives.
-
-
-
AlmsgivingAlmsgiving means donating money or goods to the poor and performing other acts of charity. As one of the three pillars of Lenten practice, almsgiving is defined by the Catechism of the Catholic Church as "a witness to fraternal charity" and "a work of justice pleasing to God" (CCC 2462).
The following charitable giving opportunities will be available at St. Austin during Lent:- March 5th (Ash Wednesday): World and Home Missions second collection
- March 29th-20th: Catholic Relief Services second collection
- April 5th-6th: Second collection supporting St. Austin Catholic School's Grand Tour
- April 12th-13th (Palm Sunday): Monthly Persons in Need (PIN) second collection, supporting our Outreach and St. Vincent de Paul ministries
- April 18th (Good Friday): Second collection supporting the Holy Land
You can also give your Lenten alms by mailing a check, giving online, or by Venmo (@StAustin-CatholicParish).ALMSGIVING
-
-
