A Few Suggestions for Lent

During the holy season of Lent we are invited to “turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel”. Here are some practical ways of entering into this season and benefiting from it:

1. Stations of the Cross - this is an ancient practice of reflecting on the passion and death of our Lord. True friendship is proven when we are willing to be with our friend during his/her most trying moments. It is the same in our relationship with Jesus. When we choose to be with Jesus during his most difficult and trying moments, we show that we are true friends. Stations of the Cross allow us that opportunity. We offer Stations of the Cross every Friday during Lent at 7pm at St. Mary’s church in Owen Sound. If you cannot join us, perhaps you can pray this beautiful devotion at home. There are plenty of resources that can assist you on the internet. Also, most Catholic Prayer Books include Stations of the Cross. Please join us.

2. Catechism Lectures - it is not possible to be faithful to the Gospel if we don’t improve our knowledge of what the Gospel teaches through the Catechism of the Catholic Church. We have a wealth of knowledge in our Catholic tradition, and it is there to aid us in knowing, loving, and serving our God; in following the Gospel. I offer presentations on the Catechism of the Catholic Church every Thursday evening at 7:30pm at St. Mary’s church in Owen Sound. These 30 minute presentations aim at refreshing our knowledge of the faith. Topics like: Who is God? How do we know about God? Why do we have the Church? How do we pray? What are the Sacraments? Where do angels come from? And many others will be covered. If you are not able to join us in person, feel free to listen on our website. Just click on “Listen to our Catechism lessons” on the home page. Please join us.

3. Confession - turning away from sin requires an act of preparation, confession, and change. We have the great gift of the Sacrament of Confession that aims to this for us. During Lent it is most appropriate to celebrate the sacrament of Confession. This is especially important for those who do not make use of this Sacrament on the regular basis. At minimum we should go to Confession during Advent and Lent. Again, there are plenty of resources available on the internet to aid our preparation. Just search for “Examination of Conscience”, and perhaps you can add “for seniors” or “for youth” or “for married couples” etc. I like to compare Confession to Buckley’s Cough Medicine: “it tastes bad and it works”.

With these few suggestions I wish all of us a fruitful Lenten journey.

Fr. Wojtek Kuzma