When Ash Wednesday rolls around each year, it can catch us off guard when it comes to our prayer life.

We know Lent is important and that it helps prepare us for Easter. Most Catholics recognize Lent as a solemn period where we repent.

As such, during Lent, we might feel pressure to “up our game” when it comes to prayer.

The reality is that prayer is important during Lent. Very important. But fasting and almsgiving matter too. So do all the other actions we might take to help us let go of our own desires and align with God’s call for us.

God doesn’t call us to pray longer during this time. Or pray “better”—whatever that means. 

A great starting point for drawing closer to God and improving our prayer life during Lent is simply the desire to improve our prayer life during Lent. If you’re reading this, chances are you already have that desire.

So let’s start there.

Pray

Sunday Sunday Sunday Readings

Check out Fr. Michael's weekly podcast where he reads and provides a short reflection on the Sunday Mass Readings

Hallow Daily Gospel

The Gospels are the first four books of the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These four books detail the life of Christ. Praying with the Good News leads us to better know and love Christ through the testament of his life on earth. Listen and Pray with the Daily Gospel on Hallow for Free!

Teen Lent: The 180

Join Mark Hart, Sr. Josephine, Fr. Frankie Cicero and more for The 180, a Lent challenge for teens presented by Life Teen International. Designed for busy schedules, this challenge features short, 180-second sessions all designed to help you make a 180-degree turn towards Christ. Reflect on the daily Gospel readings, learn about the lives of the Saints, and take on a new fasting challenge each week. This Lent, don’t just give something up—take a step closer to Christ every day.

Learn More

More Lent Prayers from Hallow: https://hallow.com/blog/lent-prayers/

Join us on Wednesday of Holy Week for a special time of Prayer for teenagers in our Parish. RSVP below:

Fast

Lent Fasting Rules: Catholic Rules for Fasting During Lent in 2026

Fasting is not about misery; it’s about detachment and intentionality. What distracts you from seeing Jesus throughout your day? What chips away at your identity as a son or daughter of the King? What keeps you from being a better brother or sister in Christ? Ask God to make these things clear to you, and how you can fast from them.

Fasting is not God asking for our candy bars, but for our hearts. If the sin of gluttony truly is a struggle for you or a distraction from God, then that might be the fast you’re looking for. However, it’s important to remember that Lent is about the heart, not the stomach. If fasting were only physical, it would hardly differ from dieting. The purpose of fasting is mostly spiritual: to bring order to our interior life.

Almsgiving

Last but not least, almsgiving. Before you think, “I’m way too broke to give donations,” here is your reminder that almsgiving is way bigger than a money offering. Almsgiving is choosing generosity over comfort so we can love like Jesus. Ask yourself: How can I see Christ in them? How can I serve others like I would Jesus? (Matthew 25:40)

Almsgiving can look like giving time, emotional support, or sharing what you have in abundance. Be creative.

Blessings on your Lent!

-- MYM Team