Catholic Blesseds, Saints, Solemnities & Holy Days

What Is Lent in the Catholic Church?

Lent is a sacred season in the Catholic Church, a time of prayer, repentance, and renewal that prepares our hearts for the joy of Easter. Many people ask, “What is Lent?” or “What does Lent mean for Catholics?”

Lent is the Church’s annual invitation to slow down, turn back to God, and prepare spiritually for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Rooted in Scripture and tradition, the 40 days of Lent echo Christ’s 40 days in the desert, the 40 years the Israelites wandered in the wilderness, and other biblical periods of testing and transformation.

Rather than focusing only on what we “give up,” Lent is about who we are becoming. It is a season that calls Catholics to conversion of heart, deeper trust in God, and renewed commitment to living the Gospel in everyday life.

Ash Wednesday: The Beginning of Lent

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent and is one of the most recognizable days in the Catholic calendar. On this day, Catholics receive ashes on their foreheads in the shape of a cross as a public sign of repentance and humility. As Father Mike from Ascension Press once said, “The ashes mean I’m a sinner. The Cross means I have a Savior.”

The ashes themselves carry profound meaning. They are typically made from the burned palms of the previous year’s Palm Sunday, reminding us of the fleeting nature of worldly praise and the need for continual conversion. As the ashes are imposed, Catholics hear one of two phrases:

“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,”
or
“Repent, and believe in the Gospel.”

Ash Wednesday is a day of fasting and abstinence (meaning no meat and only one main meal with two smaller snacks), emphasizing simplicity and dependence on God. It sets the tone for Lent as a season of reflection, repentance, and intentional spiritual growth.

It is best to go to confession at least once before and/or during Lent. Use our Examination of Conscience guide to help.

The Three Pillars of Lent: Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving

At the heart of Lent are three foundational practices that shape the Catholic Lenten experience: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. These pillars work together to help Catholics grow closer to God and to one another.

Prayer during Lent invites deeper intimacy with God. Catholics are encouraged to attend Mass more frequently, spend time with Scripture, pray the Stations of the Cross, and cultivate daily personal prayer. Lent is an opportunity to listen more attentively to God’s voice.

Fasting teaches self-discipline and freedom. By intentionally limiting food or other comforts, Catholics are reminded that true fulfillment comes from God, not material things. Fasting also creates space for gratitude, clarity, and spiritual focus.

Almsgiving expresses love of neighbor through generosity. This may include donating to causes you support, serving others, or engaging in intentional acts of kindness and charity. Almsgiving helps Catholics live out Christ’s call to love sacrificially.

Together, these practices lead us toward ongoing conversion, forming both the heart and the way we live each day.

Holy Week in the Catholic Church

Holy Week is the final and most solemn week of Lent, drawing Catholics into the central mysteries of the Christian faith. Each day commemorates key moments from the final days of Jesus’ life.

• Palm Sunday celebrates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where He is welcomed as King, yet foreshadows the suffering to come.
• Holy Thursday remembers the Last Supper, when Jesus instituted the Eucharist and the priesthood, and washed the feet of His disciples as a model of servant leadership.
• Good Friday is a day of fasting and solemn remembrance of Christ’s Passion and death on the Cross. Catholics venerate the Cross and reflect on the depth of Christ’s sacrifice.
• Holy Saturday is a day of silence and waiting, as the Church rests at the tomb in hope and expectation.

Holy Week invites Catholics not only to recall these events, but to enter into them spiritually, recognizing Christ’s suffering as an act of love for the world. Get your Holy Week guide.

Easter Sunday: Why Lent Leads to the Resurrection

Easter Sunday is the culmination of Lent and the greatest feast of the Catholic Church. It celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and His victory over sin and death!

The joy of Easter gives meaning to the sacrifices of Lent. Through the Resurrection, Catholics proclaim that suffering is not the end, forgiveness is possible, and new life is offered to all. Easter is not just a single day, but the beginning of the Easter Season, which lasts 50 days and continues the celebration of Christ’s risen life.

Lent prepares hearts to receive this joy fully, reminding Catholics that renewal comes through surrender and trust in God’s promises.

Why Lent Matters for Young Adults and Newman Connection

Lent can be especially formative for young adults, particularly college students who are navigating independence, identity, and questions of faith. This season invites them to take ownership of their spiritual lives and develop habits that can last well beyond college.

At Newman Connection, our mission is to connect young adults to authentic Catholic communities where they can be needed, known, and supported in their faith. We believe that faith grows best in community through shared prayer, honest questions, and constant encouragement.

During Lent, Newman Connection helps students discover campus ministries and Catholic communities that support their spiritual growth, offer accountability, and accompany them through seasons of challenge and renewal.

Lent is a powerful reminder that faith is not meant to be walked alone and that community matters, especially during seasons of growth and conversion.

Support Catholic Students During Lent and Beyond

Your generosity makes it possible for Newman Connection to continue guiding students toward Catholic communities where their faith can take root and flourish.

By donating today, you help:

• Connect students to campus ministries and Catholic communities
• Support young adults during pivotal moments of faith formation
• Build a future where no student has to search for the Church alone

Make a gift this Lent and be part of the journey from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday.

Donate today and help young adults encounter Christ through community.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lent

How long is Lent?
Lent lasts 40 days, beginning on Ash Wednesday and ending at the start of the Easter Triduum on Holy Thursday evening. Sundays are not counted as days of Lent.

Why do Catholics give things up for Lent?
Catholics give things up during Lent as a form of fasting and spiritual discipline, helping them grow in self-control, dependence on God, and awareness of Christ’s sacrifice.

Is Lent only about giving something up?
No. Lent is about growing closer to God through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Many Catholics choose to add positive habits, such as daily prayer or acts of service, alongside fasting.

Why is Lent important for college students and young adults?
Lent offers young adults the opportunity to develop personal faith practices and find a supportive Catholic community during a formative stage of life.