Our observance of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 14. While not a holy day of obligation, Ash Wednesday Mass is a beautiful way to begin the season. Lent is a time of grace, renewal and conversion; a time when we are called by the Gospel to the penitential practices of prayer, reconciliation and almsgiving. In addition, we are called by the Church to fasting and abstinence; worship, and works of mercy. Throughout the season of Lent, which lasts approximately 40 days, all of these actions prepare us for the celebration of Holy Week and Easter during which we recall Christ’s passion, death and resurrection.
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What happens when Valentine’s Day falls on Ash Wednesday?
Given the importance of its penitential and solemn spirit, Ash Wednesday takes precedence over Valentine’s Day in our faith lives, so despite Valentine’s Day being a nationally-recognized holiday, Catholics should still fast and abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday (a dispensation is not being offered in the Diocese of Grand Rapids). But, there are many other ways we can celebrate our loved ones this day through cards, flowers, prayers, and quality time. Or, if you want to go out to a nice dinner or enjoy some chocolate, simply celebrate Valentine’s Day a few days earlier!
Mass, adoration, confession, Stations of the Cross:
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Together Is Where We Belong: Come Home to Mass
From Creighton Online Ministries:
Fasting and Abstinence during Lent
During Lent, Catholics in the United States abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and on all the Fridays of Lent. In addition, we fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Click the links below for details:
Guidelines for fasting and abstinence (English | Español)
Across our Diocese
Fish Fry and Lenten Meal Guide
Fish Fry and Lenten Meal Guide
Click the link above to visit our guide with a list of fish fries and lenten meals offered around the diocese. If your parish, school, or Knights of Columbus fish fry or soup supper isn’t listed, please email [email protected].
Eucharistic Adoration
Adoration schedules in our parishes
The Light Is On For You: An Evening of Penance (in most churches) – Thursday, March 14, 5-8 p.m.
List of participating parishes
Rediscover God’s grace and merciful love through the sacrament of reconciliation. The season of Lent by its penitential nature is an opportune time for anyone seeking forgiveness to restore and renew their relationship with Jesus through the sacrament of penance. In addition to the evening of penance on March 14, confession is available year-round in our churches.
Contact your parish or find a church near you to confirm participation on March 14 and for weekly reconciliation schedules.
Cathedral of Saint Andrew
Holy Week at the Cathedral
(includes televised/livestreaming information)
Watch Mass LIVE weekly: Sunday 10 a.m. & Noon in Spanish
On TV on WXMI Fox17 (10 a.m. only), on YouTube or on our website.
Sign up to receive Ecumenical Lenten Reflections from the Cathedral parish by texting LENTREFLECT to 84576; also available daily beginning on Ash Wednesday on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CathedralofSaintAndrew
Lenten/winter enrichment and activities at the:
Catholic Information Center | Franciscan Life Process Center | Lakeshore Academy for the New Evangelization |
Saint Benedict Institute | Other events around the diocese
Pray with God’s Word this Lent:
Get the daily readings sent to your email each morning.-¡Ore con la Palabra de Dios en esta Cuaresma! Reciba las lecturas diarias enviadas a su correo electrónico cada mañana:
Sign up for your free subscription from the USCCB-Regístrese aquí para su suscripción gratuita de USCCB.
USCCB Daily Lent Calendar (bilingual)
From the Vatican
Read Pope Francis’ message for Lent 2024 (English and Español)
Pope’s Holy Week 2024 Schedule
CRS Rice Bowl
Through CRS Rice Bowl, we share the journey with members of our human family around the world, and commit our Lenten prayers, fasting and almsgiving to deepening our faith and serving those in need. Pick up a rice bowl in church, or order for free online, and share what you’ve been given with those in need through CRS Rice Bowl.
Read Bishop Walkowiak’s letter to parishioners (English | Español)
Additional Rice Bowl Resources
Download the app! | Daily reflections | Family activities | Lenten Recipes | Daily calendar of Lenten activities
Additional Resources for Lent
Praying through Lent
Scriptural Stations of the Cross – (English | Español)
Five Bible verses for Lent (Catholic Digest)
The National Catholic Partnership on Disability has produced Adapted Faith Formation Activities for use at home or in a parish setting during Lent. Click here for resources | Stations of the Cross video production (Diocese of Madison’s Apostolate for Person’s with Disabilities)
Daily Lenten reflections from:
Creighton Online Ministries | Dynamic Catholic | Loyola Press
