Looking Ahead Toward Lent

Lent will be here before we know it. To be honest, I frequently find myself dreading Lent, mainly because it almost always becomes unmanageable for priests. Still, of all people, I know that I am in need of a season of conversion, which essentially is what Lent offers us. Below are some suggestions on how to make your Lent more productive spiritually.

First, if you are someone who tends to give something up for Lent, make sure it’s something significant. I doubt any soul ended up in hell because of Mt. Dew. Choose a worthy spiritual opponent for your Lenten fast. Speaking of fasting, remember that Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fasting and abstinence. When fasting, Catholics are allowed one full meatless meal and two lesser meatless snacks that should not equal another full meal. Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence, meaning we do not eat meat on any Friday of Lent.

Next, make sure you go to confession before Easter. Do a good examination of your conscience before you go to confession. Be honest and be brief. Make sure and do your penance.

The Stations of the Cross are a great way to enhance your spiritual journey. St. Eugene celebrates Stations of the Cross every Friday of Lent at 6pm in English and 7pm in Spanish (We also have a fish fry at 6:30 pm on Fridays of Lent).

Lent is a season in which you want to come to Mass every Sunday. You might even consider adding a daily Mass to your weekly schedule. Nothing heals us like the Body and Blood of Jesus.

This is very important: Father Boyer is coming to our parish to conduct a Lenten Mission March 27, 28 and 29th in the evening. Mark your calendars because he is a phenomenal speaker.