What is Lent and When Does it Start?
Lent is one of the five seasons of the Catholic liturgical calendar (Advent, Christmas, Easter, and Ordinary Time are the other four.)
The exact start of Lent changes every year, but this year it begins on February 14.
When Does Lent End 2024?
Lent ends at sundown on Holy Thursday. This year, Holy Thursday is March 28, 2024. This is also called Maundy Thursday. “Maundy” is from the Latin word “Mandatum” which means command. Jesus commanded his 12 disciples to “Love one another as I have loved you.”
What is Lent for Catholics?
Lent is a solemn season of preparation, as we get ready for Easter (the celebration of Christ’s resurrection!) It is 40 days of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving where we remember Jesus’ 40 days he spent in the desert fasting and being tempted by Satan after His baptism.
We use this time to grow closer to God, limiting distractions and repenting for our sins.
Who Celebrates Lent?
Lent is associated with the Catholic Church, but some Orthodox Christians, Protestants, and other denominations may celebrate Lent is some way.
Pray Fast Give
During Lent, we grow closer to Jesus by praying, fasting and giving. This means praying more, not eating meat on certain days as well as giving up other “comforts,” and donating our money, time and talents.
Catholic Fasting During Lent
Catholics abstain from meat and eat much less on certain days in order to develop greater self-discipline and help purify our spirit to become closer to God. Fasting is a sacrifice that dates back to the early Church.
We are also called to fast in other ways during this season. This is a time to give up some of our comforts in order to focus on the sacrifice Christ made on the Cross.
This is a time to remember our Baptism too, when we began our new life in Christ (many adults going through RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation) to become Catholic are preparing to be baptized as well!)
What is Ash Wednesday?
The first day of Lent is always Ash Wednesday. Ashes in the shape of a cross are put on our forehead at Mass. They remind us that our death will come, and we need to prepare by seeking to follow God’s Will.
Lent is the most solemn liturgical season. More solemn songs replace hymns during Mass. The “Gloria in Excelsis,” is omitted, as is the “Alleluia” typically sung before the Gospel.
What is the Color of Lent? Why is Lent Purple?
Purple is the liturgical color of Lent because is symbolizes repentance. It also symbolizes Christ’s royalty as King of all kings.
Catholic Prayer for Lent
A very simple prayer for Lent that is typically said during the Stations of the Cross goes like this:
“We adore You O Christ
and we bless you
because by your Holy Cross
You have redeemed the World.”
Lent Calendar 2024
During these 40 days, we are in the desert with Jesus, inviting God to work in us during this time of sacrifice. I hope this article helped you understand Lent a little better, as well as how to teach it to your children. To help your children solidify their understanding of Lent, as well envision the length of time that Lent is, here is a link to our Lent Activity Bundle that features 6 pages of worksheets and a *free* downloadable Easter Countdown Calendar PDF!
