Lenten Resources

Our observance of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, (Feb. 22, 2023) and is a day of fast and abstinence for Catholics.  At Mass 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.

During the Eucharistic Revival, several parishes are holding Lenten retreats with a special emphasis on the understanding and love of the Eucharist. Visit dioknox.org/revival to see a list of Eucharistic Revival events.

***This year, the Memorial of St.Patrick falls on Friday, March 17.  It is well known that St. Patrick’s Day is a day of convivial celebration for many American Catholics. Therefore, Bishop Stika has issued a dispensation decree stating: “On Friday, March 17, 2023, all Catholics of the Diocese of Knoxville, by my authority, are dispensed from the abstinence obligation (can. 87 §1).  It is not required that anyone make use of this dispensation. Those who do wish to make use of it are encouraged to abstain from meat on some other day as part of their penitential practices and to engage in some additional act of prayer, service to the poor or almsgiving.”***

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.

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.