Lent 2026: A Season of Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving
The Lenten season began with Ash Wednesday on February 18, 2026, and ends on the evening of Holy Thursday on April 2, 2026. During the 40 days of Lent, you are encouraged to take time for prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, the three pillars of Lent, to prepare for the Resurrection of the Lord. Part of our Lenten journey includes spiritual discipline. Archbishop Shelton stated that during Lent, “we are called to a renewed and heightened awareness of our need for God, our responsibilities to God, and the many ways that God renews his love for us with the passing of each day.”
Prayer
The first pillar of Lent is prayer. During Lent, make time for the Lord in prayer by reading scripture, spending time in Eucharistic Adoration, or by going to daily Mass. Be intentional about encountering Christ and growing closer to him. Catholics are also encouraged to participate in the Sacrament of Penance which frees us from our sins and brings us closer to Christ. 1
Fasting and Abstinence
Fasting, a special form of penance, helps us to turn away from sin and enter a deeper relationship with Christ. Catholics, age 18-59, are obligated to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. One full meal is permitted in addition to two smaller meals that together do not equal a full meal. Ash Wednesday and all the Fridays of Lent are obligatory days of abstinence where Catholics abstain from eating meat. Those with physical limitations such as the chronically ill or pregnant and nursing mothers are exempt from fasting and abstinence. 1
The Church invites us to make a meaningful sacrifice during the entire season of Lent. The purpose of this penitential practice is self – denial, so we can devote our hearts, time, and energy to God. As you discern what to give up, consider an item, habit, or action that is drawing you away from prayer and a relationship with Christ. Other devotions, such as the Stations of the Cross, the rosary, scripture study, participation in daily Mass, and service to those in need, are strongly recommended. 1
Almsgiving
Almsgiving is “a witness to fraternal charity: it is also a work of justice pleasing to God.” 2 We are called to focus on acts of charity during Lent, which is one of the three pillars of Lenten practice. This includes “donating money or goods to the poor and performing others acts of charity.” 1
You can find more resources for the 2026 Lenten season, including prayers, a calendar, and more, by visiting the website of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
For a list of dates and times for Ash Wednesday Masses, Penance Services, Lenten Spiritual Offerings, Stations of the Cross, and Fish Fries, click on the links below.
Please check back for updates.
PENANCE SERVICES, LENTEN SPIRITUAL OFFERINGS, STATIONS OF THE CROSS
FISH FRY
1. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
2. Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2462
