Lent 2024: Fasting

Let’s explore Lent as a faith community this year!
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And, come back here to find ways to help us refocus and refresh our souls in preparation for Easter.

FISH FRY FRIDAY OPPORTUNITIES!

**These fasting ideas are from St. Francis in Raleigh!**

We all waste more than 20 minutes each day, right? Phone? TV? Simply being lazy? Why not use this time to grow closer to God? In *The Bible in a Year* podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz walks you through the entire Bible in 365 episodes, providing commentary, reflection, and prayer along the way all in just 20 minutes each day. **Learn more here.**

Here are a few fasting challenges to try:

Don’t hit the snooze button tomorrow morning. Be determined to start your day for Christ by getting up on time.
Drink nothing but water for a day.
Walk around your house with a bag and fill it with things you can donate to the needy. Some ideas: a sweater you no longer wear, an extra pair of socks, books that haven’t been cracked open in awhile, extra food items to the local shelter.
Prayerfully consider a good habit you can begin this Lent, then write it down on a post-it note and leave it on your bathroom mirror or in a prominent place where you’ll see it daily.
Turn off all music. Enjoy the stillness of silence, and ask God to help you listen to Him.
Abstain from second helpings, snacks in between meals, and food after dinner.

Each Friday of Lent, we abstain from eating meat as a way to experience a little of the hunger that many experience daily. Journey with us around the world and incorporate these Lenten recipes into your meatless Fridays. Click here for recipes.

Why do we fast? Fr. Mike Schmitz explains that it’s not about getting more love and attention from God. Fasting is about self-mastery, discernment, sacrifice, and being a
co-redeemer with Jesus. click on the image to view the video as Fr. Mike dives deeper into these four reasons, helping you make the most of your fasting this Lent.

25 Weird Things to Give Up for Lent
Fasting is an indispensable part of the spiritual life during the entire liturgical year, but most especially during Lent when it is emphasized as a universal prescription for all Catholics.
Click here to read Ascension Press’ 25 weird things!