Lent 2026

Lent is a sacred season of forty days to journey more closely with Christ toward the joy of Easter. The Church gives us three ancient practices to guide the way: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. As Fr. Brendan reminds us, these are not burdens — they are gifts that free us from what holds us back and open our hearts to God and to one another.

PRAYER 🙏 Make Space for God

Prayer draws us into deeper conversation with the Lord. It doesn’t have to be elaborate — even one quiet pause in a busy day can shift everything. That’s the heart of our Lenten theme. The knotted cord you received at the church entrance is a simple invitation: when you feel it in your pocket, hold it at your kitchen table or prayer space, pause, take a breath, and remember that God is with you.

Ways to Pray with Us This Lent:

FASTING 🍞 Rediscover What You Truly Hunger For

Fasting teaches us to recognize what we truly hunger for. It frees us from complacency and creates space for God’s word to take root in our hearts. This year, Pope Leo XIV — in his first Lenten message, “Listening and Fasting: Lent as a Time of Conversion” — invites us to rediscover fasting not as willpower alone, but as a spiritual practice rooted in humility and communion with God.

The Holy Father also invites us to practice an often-overlooked form of fasting: refraining from words that offend and hurt. This Lent, we are invited to disarm our language — to avoid harsh words and rash judgment in our families, at work, on social media, and in our community.

Simple Ways to Fast This Lent:

• Abstain from meat on Fridays
• Fast from food on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday
• Fast from one habit that pulls you away from peace — scrolling, complaining, rushing
• Practice a fast of words: choose kindness over criticism

Meatless Mondays & Fridays with the Green Team:

This Lent, our Green Team is sharing 2 new meatless recipes each week to inspire delicious, planet-friendly meals. Whether you’re looking for quick weeknight dinners or creative Friday dishes, find fresh ideas every week. Have a favorite meatless recipe? Share it with us at greenteam@stsimon.org!

Browse Meatless Recipes →

ALMSGIVING 🌾Turn Your Heart Toward Others

Almsgiving turns our hearts outward toward those in need. It reminds us that we are not walking alone — we are, as Fr. Brendan reflects on St. Augustine’s beautiful image, migrants journeying home together. When we give, we acknowledge that what we have is not ours alone, and we become part of the caravan of souls making their way toward God.

Give with Us This Lent:

CRS Operation Rice Bowl | Pick up a Rice Bowl at any church entrance. Each day you fast or eat simply, set aside what you would have spent. Return your filled bowl during Holy Week or Easter — and join families around the world in feeding those in need. Learn more about Operation Rice Bowl here. 

Give Online Here | Select Fund: Operation Rice Bowl

Lent begins Wednesday, February 18.

All are welcome. Come as you are.