Lent is a season of prayer, almsgiving, and fasting (
Matthew 6:1-18). Religious practices such as daily Mass, the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the Stations of the Cross, works of charity and justice, and acts of self-denial are highly encouraged insofar as they can be observed during the current restrictions (see the
Diocesan norms for Lenten Observance on the Diocesan website).
Our
Bishop Riesbeck’s Lenten Message also calls Lent a season of renewal and hope, and ‘we need hope now more than ever to help us face the challenges of these days.’ Still, Lent is a time to “give God permission to help us turn away from the things that prevent us from living a truly fulfilled life and embrace the victory Jesus has won for us. It is his promise of new life to us.”