Lent is a sacred season in the Catholic Church, inviting the faithful into a time of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving in preparation for Easter. This 40-day season is a period of renewal and repentance, echoing Christ’s time of fasting in the desert before beginning His public ministry. Through reflection and sacrifice, Lent calls us to draw closer to God and deepen our commitment to living as disciples of Jesus.
The Meaning of Lent
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts for 40 days, leading up to Holy Thursday. The number 40 has deep biblical significance, representing times of testing and transformation, such as the Israelites’ journey in the wilderness and Jesus’ fasting in the desert (Matthew 4:1-11). Lent is a time of conversion and renewal, where we turn away from sin and strive to follow Christ more faithfully. It prepares us to fully celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus at Easter, which is the foundation of our faith.
The Church emphasises three primary practices during Lent: Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving.
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent and sets the tone for this sacred season. On this day, Catholics receive ashes on their foreheads in the sign of the cross, reminding us of our mortality and need for repentance. The priest or minister proclaims, “Repent, and believe in the Gospel” (Mark 1:15) or “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19).
It is also a day of fasting and abstinence. Catholics aged 18 to 59 are required to fast, meaning they may eat one full meal and two smaller meals that together do not equal a full meal. Catholics aged 14 and older must also abstain from eating meat; a practice observed on all Fridays of Lent.
Prayer
Lent is a time to deepen our relationship with God through prayer, which can include attending Mass more often, praying the Rosary, reading Scripture, or setting aside quiet time for reflection. Some also choose to take part in the Stations of the Cross (also known as the Way of the Cross), one of the most traditional and identifiable devotional practices in Christianity, whereby participants are invited to focus their prayer on fourteen stages in Jesus’ passion and death including, in more recent versions, Christ’s resurrection from the dead. Several churches around our diocese pray this devotion on Fridays during Lent.
Fasting (and abstinence)
Fasting helps us grow in self-discipline and strengthens our dependence on God. Beyond food, fasting can also mean giving up habits that distract us from growing in our faith, such as unnecessary screen time, social media, or excessive spending. By making small sacrifices, we open our hearts to deeper reflection and spiritual renewal.
Catholics aged 18 to 59 are required to fast, particularly on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, meaning they may eat one full meal and two smaller meals that together do not equal a full meal.
Catholics aged 14 and older must abstain from eating meat; a practice observed on all Fridays of Lent.
Almsgiving
Almsgiving is an opportunity to show love and generosity to those in need. Ways to give include helping a neighbour in need, offering time in service to others, or donating to local charities such as the Bishop’s Good Samaritan Appeal, and Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion, which provides aid to vulnerable communities all over the world.
Liturgical Observances and Symbols
Lent is marked by a solemn and reflective tone in the Church’s liturgy. Purple vestments are worn by priests as a symbol of penance and preparation.
The word “Alleluia” is omitted from Mass, emphasising the penitential nature of the season. Church decorations are kept simple, and the Gloria is not sung on Sundays, except on special solemnities, to maintain a spirit of humility and reflection.
Holy Communion and Reconciliation
According to the Paschal Precept, or Easter Duty, each of the faithful is obliged to receive Holy Communion at least once a year. This is to be done between Ash Wednesday and Trinity Sunday, unless for a good reason it is done at another time during the year.
All the faithful are obliged to confess their grave sins at least once a year.
Holy Week
The culmination of Lent is Holy Week, the most sacred time in the Church’s calendar. It begins with Palm Sunday and leads to the Paschal Triduum: beginning Holy Thursday and ending on Easter Sunday, commemorating Christ’s Passion, death, and Resurrection.
Events during Holy Week in the Diocese include Palm Sunday Masses, Mass of the Lord’s Supper (Holy Thursday), Tenebrae, Stations of the Cross reenactments, and the annual CYP Good Friday Night Walk.
Easter Sunday fulfils the Lenten journey as we celebrate Christ’s Resurrection—His victory over sin and death, bringing hope and new life to all.
Learn more about Holy Week and Easter.
Pope Francis’ message of Lent
In Pope Francis’ Message for Lent 2025, the Holy Father invites the faithful to “journey together in hope” this Jubilee 2025, and to take the opportunity of the upcoming Lenten Season to ask ourselves whether we are truly willing to heed God’s call to change our lives.
“It is hard to think of the biblical exodus without also thinking of those of our brothers and sisters who in our own day are fleeing situations of misery and violence in search of a better life for themselves and their loved ones. A first call to conversion thus comes from the realization that all of us are pilgrims in this life.”
Read more in Catholic Outlook.
Embracing the Lenten Journey
Lent offers Catholics an opportunity to renew their faith and prepare their hearts for the celebration of Easter. By engaging in the traditional practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, the faithful journey together towards a deeper union with Christ, embracing the call to conversion and holiness.