Preparing Our Hearts: Understanding Lent in the RCIA Journey

 

Welcome, RCIA participants! As we journey together towards full communion with the Catholic Church, we enter a special season called Lent. Lent is a 40-day period of preparation for Easter, the celebration of Jesus Christ's resurrection.

Why Lent for those entering the Church?

The origins of Lent are closely tied to the early Church's practice of preparing new members. Historically, Lent was a time for catechumens (those preparing for baptism) to undergo intense spiritual preparation before receiving the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist) at the Easter Vigil. It was a period of reflection, repentance, and deepening one's relationship with Christ. This tradition continues today, with Lent serving as a time for both those entering the Church and existing members to renew their faith.

Living Lent: Important Days

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday (March 5th, 2025), a day of reflection on our mortality and need for God's grace. Other important days during Lent include:

• Maundy Thursday: Commemorates the Last Supper.
• Good Friday: Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus.

Fasting

Fasting during Lent is a practice of self-denial, intended to help us focus on spiritual matters rather than physical comforts. Catholics between 18 and 59 years old are obliged to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, which means one full meal and two smaller meals that together don't equal a full meal. Those 14 and older are also obliged to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and all Fridays of Lent. Many Catholics choose to "give up" something for Lent as a form of personal sacrifice.

Prayer

Lent is a time to deepen our prayer life. This can involve:

• Spending more time in personal prayer and reflection.
• Reading and meditating on Scripture.
• Participating in the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession).
• Praying the Rosary or other devotions.
• Attending daily Mass, if possible.

Through prayer, we seek to grow closer to God and align our lives with His will.

Almsgiving: More Than Just Giving Money

• Definition:
  • Almsgiving is the act of giving to those in need.This can involve donating money, food, clothing, or other resources.
  • It's also about acts of charity and kindness, such as volunteering time or offering assistance to those who are struggling.
• Spiritual Significance:
  • In the Catholic tradition, almsgiving is seen as a way to share God's gifts with others and to express our love for our neighbors.
  • It's a way to recognize that all we have comes from God and that we are called to be stewards of his blessings.
  • During Lent, almsgiving helps us to detach ourselves from material possessions and to focus on spiritual values.
• Practical Examples:
  • Donating to a local food bank or homeless shelter.
  • Volunteering at a soup kitchen or other charitable organization.
  • Giving money to a reputable charity that supports those in need.
  • Offering assistance to an elderly neighbor or someone who is ill.
  • simply acts of kindness to those around you.

Essentially, almsgiving is about putting our faith into action by showing compassion and generosity to those who are less fortunate.

Lent is a powerful time of grace and transformation. As we journey through this season together, let us embrace the opportunities for prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, preparing our hearts to celebrate the joy of Easter.