The Three Pillars of Lent 

Lent is a special time

It can be a life-changing event for us. Jesus made a great sacrifice for us and during lent we are acutely aware of this. We approach Easter with an opportunity to show our great love for God. We do this through three main parts, also called the three pillars of Lent: Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving.

Prayer

Prayer is extremely important. Prayer binds us to God. Finding time to pray with our families or by ourselves confirms and strengthens this bond. 

Fasting

Fasting is one of the most ancient actions linked to Lent. Fasting rules have changed through the ages but throughout Church, history fasting has been considered sacred.

Almsgiving

Almsgiving is the third pillar and an important one. Almsgiving is not just a Christian practice. ‘Dāna’ in Hinduism and Buddhism, as well as ‘Zakat’ in Islam, are equally important. As Catholics, almsgiving during Lent is looking out for our brothers and sisters who are not as fortunate as us. It doesn’t have to be big, but it must come from the heart.

Prayer for the first week of Lent: 

God of wilderness and water,

your Son was baptised and tempted as we are.

Guide us through this season,

that we may not avoid struggle,

but open ourselves to blessing,

through the cleansing depths of repentance

and the heaven-rending words of the Spirit. 

Amen.