Lenten Resources

Our observance of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, (March 5, 2025) and is a day of fast and abstinence for Catholics. On Ash Wednesday, the imposition of ashes replicates an ancient penitential practice and symbolizes our dependence upon God’s mercy and forgiveness. This article by the USCCB answers some common questions about Lent. 

The three traditional pillars of Lenten observance are prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. The Church asks us to surrender ourselves to prayer and to the reading of Scripture, to fasting, and to giving alms. The fasting that all do together on Fridays is but a sign of the daily Lenten discipline of individuals and households: fasting for certain periods of time, fasting from certain foods, but also fasting from other things and activities. Likewise, the giving of alms is some effort to share this world equally—not only through the distribution of money, but through the sharing of our time and talents.

The key to fruitful observance of Lenten practices is to recognize their link to baptismal renewal. We are called not just to abstain from sin during Lent, but to true conversion of our hearts and minds as followers of Christ. We recall those waters in which we were baptized into Christ’s death, died to sin and evil, and began new life in Christ.

The Stations of the Cross is a devotion following the events leading to Jesus’ crucifixion. Prayers accompanying it allow time to reflect on the mystery of his death. Originally the Stations of the Cross was an actual physical journey in and around Jerusalem. Later the series was symbolized in outdoor shrines, and today many parishes display artistic representations in their sanctuaries. The Stations of the Cross may be done at any time, but is commonly a part of Lenten spiritual practice, specifically on Good Friday.

During Lent, Catholics are encouraged to make going to confession a significant part of their spiritual lives. Many parishes in the diocese offer penance services during the season, where multiple priests are available to hear confessions. Check with your parish for extra confession, adoration, or worship opportunities during the season.

Chattanooga Deanery
March 11—St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Cleveland, 7 p.m.
March 12—Our Lady of Lourdes, South Pittsburg, 6:30 p.m. CDT
March 12—Holy Spirit, Soddy-Daisy, 7 p.m.
March 13—Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Chattanooga, 6:30 p.m.
March 18—St. Stephen, Chattanooga, 6 p.m.
March 20—St. Bridget, Dayton, 6:30 p.m.
March 20—St. Augustine, Signal Mountain, 7 p.m.
March 24—Sts. Peter and Paul, Chattanooga, 6:30 p.m.
March 25—St. Jude, Chattanooga, 6:30 p.m.
March 27-28—Notre Dame High School, Chattanooga, during religion classes
April 1—St. Mary, Athens, 7 p.m.
April 12—St. Faustina Public Association of the Faithful, Chattanooga, time TBA

Cumberland Mountain Deanery
March 27—Knoxville Catholic High School, juniors and seniors, 10:25 a.m.
March 28—KCHS, freshmen and sophomores, 10:25 a.m.
March 31—St. Francis of Assisi, Fairfield Glade, 6 p.m. CDT

Five Rivers Deanery
March 18—St. Henry, Rogersville, 7 p.m.
March 25—St. Michael the Archangel, Erwin, 6 p.m.
March 26—Holy Trinity, Jefferson City, 7 p.m.
March 27—St. Mary, Johnson City, 6 p.m.
April 1—St. Elizabeth, Elizabethton, 6 p.m.
April 2—St. Anthony of Padua, Mountain City, 6 p.m.
April 3—St. Dominic, Kingsport, 7 p.m.
April 8—Notre Dame, Greeneville, 7 p.m.

Smoky Mountain Deanery
March 26—St. John XXIII, Knoxville, 7 p.m.
March 27—Our Lady of Fatima, Alcoa, 7 p.m.
 April 3—St. Joseph the Worker, Madisonville, 7 p.m.