Hey there,
Ash Wednesday is here. And though it may seem like we’ve been living a year-long Lent with everything we’ve given up due to the Coronavirus pandemic, we officially begin the Lenten season.
A couple of years ago, Genuflect covered Ash Wednesday and it provided a lot of great resources about today’s celebration … and they are still relevant resources.
For this issue, I wanted to provide help and inspiration for keeping our Lenten promises. That’s always the hardest part, right?
I’m a perfectionist and I like to succeed. Failure is not an option, as the saying goes. And my Lenten promises are no different.
But something unexpected happened as I researched this topic. My perspective on Lenten promises changed.
You see, what I came to understand is that Lenten promises are not just about succeeding … or failing for that matter. In fact, it’s not even critical that we never fail. It has more to do with our reliance on the Lord as we go through it with Him.
Take a look at Genuflect’s resources below to see how you can use divine help to get you through the next 40 days, whether you successfully keep your Lenten promises … or have a slip up here or there. Have a blessed Lenten season.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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Lent is Not About Success
There are two common ways people view Lent. One is that you’ll just end up breaking your Lenten promises and the other is that it’s an opportunity for success. The true meaning of Lent is not found in either of these approaches. Rather, this is the approach you should take for a holy Lent.
Why You Shouldn’t be Aiming For a Successful Lent | Aleteia
Breaking Lenten Promises
We try so hard during lent to keep our Lenten promises. But what happens if we fail and break one of our promises? Perhaps it’s not as bad as you may think … at least as far as Fr. James Melnick explains.
Breaking Lenten Fasts | Catholic Stand
What to do if You Fail
Lent is supposed to be difficult. We’re supposed to be challenged. So it’s not unusual for us to fail at keeping our Lenten promises sometimes. The real question is, what can we do? Here are 10 things you can do if you break your Lenten promises.
10 Things To Do If Your Lent Plans Fail | Catholic Exchange
Do Sundays Count?
A few years ago, my kids told me that Sundays don’t count in Lent so you can indulge in whatever it is you gave up for Lent on Sundays. I was skeptical because like Matthew Newsome, I never heard that “rule” growing up. So is it true? It’s not as clear cut as it sounds. Here’s what you need to know.
Is There Really a “Sunday Exception” During Lent? | ChurchPOP
Non-Food Fasting
What are you giving up for Lent? That’s what everyone wants to know. And it typically involves food. But not everyone can or should alter their diet for a variety of health reasons. Fortunately, you can build Lenten promises around non-food fasting. Here are 5 ideas to consider.
Non-Food Fasting During Lent For Health Reasons | Catholic Stand
Helping Kids Keep Lenten Promises
Lacy Lynch has such great ideas to help kids grow in the Catholic faith. This Lent she has put together some printables to help encourage kids to make and keep their Lenten promises.
Keeping Your Lenten Promises With Kids- A Lenten Resolution Printable | Catholic Icing
A Prayer A Day
We are called to pray more during Lent. To help us keep this Lenten promise, Creighton University has a special “prayer a day” during Lent. Refer back to this page everyday for the prayer of the day. There’s even a link to a PDF of the prayers so you can print them out.
Lent: One Prayer a Day | Creighton University
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Digital Inspiration
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