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They may just be ashes, but Fr. Mike points out that what they represent goes far beyond mere dust of the earth. With a simple cross on the forehead, we are recognizing that we are far from perfect, but that God loves and redeems us-not despite our brokenness, but in the midst of it.

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Dynamic Catholic

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Get Perfectly Yourself

This year, BEST LENT EVER is based on Matthew Kelly's newly revised edition of Perfectly Yourself. Get the book to enrich your experience!

Do It with Friends

Journey together to become the-best-version-of-yourselves! It's easy to invite your loved ones to sign up-find out how.

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We first announced the journal in our January email newsletter. Sign up for future monthly newsletters so you don't miss a thing!

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What can I expect?

Starting Ash Wednesday (February 14), you will receive an email every day during Lent:

Monday through Saturday - Watch short, inspirational videos from Matthew Kelly and the Dynamic Catholic team, and read a daily reflection and prayer.

Sunday - Watch a reflection on Sunday's Gospel, catch up on any videos you missed, and get a preview for the coming week.

Similar to our past programs, BEST LENT EVER will allow you to comment on each post and join in discussions with fellow participants.

Will it really be my best Lent ever?

That's up to you! As Matthew mentions in the video above . . .

Set a time. Make BEST LENT EVER a priority in your schedule. Pick a time each day when you'll have at least 10 uninterrupted minutes to reflect on the daily video.

Pick a place. Choose a comfortable, quiet place without distractions.

Be committed. When you make the commitment to live better each of the 40 days, amazing things will happen!

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Best Lent Ever | Welcome | Dynamic Catholic

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JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website. This year, BEST LENT EVER is based on Matthew Kelly's newly revised edition of Perfectly Yourself. Get the book to enrich your experience! Journey together to become the-best-version-of-yourselves!

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In this video, Fr. Mike explains how prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are the three pillars of a spiritually fruitful Lent. He then challenges us to try new ways to exercise these Lenten practices, sharing several simple strategies for drawing closer to God during this holy season. This video appeared first on http://ascensionpresents.com.

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What to do for Lent

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Every year Catholics try to answer the age old question: What should I do for Lent? Well, who better to pick for as your Lenten spiritual director than Pope Francis? He has some great ideas for you!

Here we selected 10 of his best tips:
1. Get rid of the lazy addiction to evil 2. Do something that hurts 3. Don't remain indifferent 4. Pray: Make our hearts like yours! 5. Take part in the sacraments
"[Lent] is a 'powerful' season, a turning point that can foster change and conversion in each of us. We all need to improve, to change for the better. Lent helps us and thus we leave behind old habits and the lazy addiction to the evil that deceives and ensnares us. " - General Audience, March 5, 2014

"Lent is a fitting time for self-denial; we would do well to ask ourselves what we can give up in order to help and enrich others by our own poverty. Let us not forget that real poverty hurts: no self-denial is real without this dimension of penance. I distrust a charity that costs nothing and does not hurt. " - Lenten Message, 2014

"Indifference to our neighbor and to God also represents a real temptation for us Christians. Each year during Lent we need to hear once more the voice of the prophets who cry out and trouble our conscience. God is not indifferent to our world; he so loves it that he gave his Son for our salvation." -Lenten Message, 2015

"During this Lent, then, brothers and sisters, let us all ask the Lord: 'Fac cor nostrum secundum cor tuum': Make our hearts like yours (Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus). In this way we will receive a heart which is firm and merciful, attentive and generous, a heart which is not closed, indifferent or prey to the globalization of indifference." - Lenten Message, 2015

"Lent is a favorable time for letting Christ serve us so that we in turn may become more like him. This happens whenever we hear the word of God and receive the sacraments, especially the Eucharist. There we become what we receive: the Body of Christ." - Lenten Message, 2015

"In the face of so many wounds that hurt us and could harden our hearts, we are called to dive into the sea of prayer, which is the sea of God's boundless love, to taste his tenderness. Lent is a time of prayer, of more intense prayer, more prolonged, more assiduous, more able to take on the needs of the brethren; intercessory prayer, to intercede before God for the many situations of poverty and suffering." - Homily, March 5, 2014

" We must be careful not to practice a formal fast, or one which in truth 'satisfies' us because it makes us feel good about ourselves. Fasting makes sense if it questions our security, and if it also leads to some benefit for others, if it helps us to cultivate the style of the Good Samaritan, who bends down to his brother in need and takes care of him." - Homily, March 5, 2014

"Fasting makes sense if it questions our security..." - Pope Francis

"Today gratuitousness is often not part of daily life where everything is bought and sold. Everything is calculated and measured. Almsgiving helps us to experience giving freely, which leads to freedom from the obsession of possessing, from the fear of losing what we have, from the sadness of one who does not wish to share his wealth with others." - Homily, March 5, 2014

"In the poor and outcast we see Christ's face; by loving and helping the poor, we love and serve Christ. Our efforts are also directed to ending violations of human dignity, discrimination and abuse in the world, for these are so often the cause of destitution. When power, luxury and money become idols, they take priority over the need for a fair distribution of wealth. Our consciences thus need to be converted to justice, equality, simplicity and sharing. " - Lenten Message, 2014

"The Lord asks us to be joyous heralds of this message of mercy and hope! It is thrilling to experience the joy of spreading this good news, sharing the treasure entrusted to us, consoling broken hearts and offering hope to our brothers and sisters experiencing darkness." - Lenten Message, 2014

You probably won't be able to take huge steps forward in all of these areas. Instead, pick a couple that stand out to you and try to find practical ways to grow in your love of God and your love of your neighbor.

Which one of Pope Francis' tips sticks out to you the most? Tell us in the comments below.

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What Should I Do For Lent? Pope Francis' 10 Tips

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Every year Catholics try to answer the age old question: What should I do for Lent? Well, who better to pick for as your Lenten spiritual director than Pope Francis? He has some great ideas for you! Here we selected 10 of his best tips: 1.

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Ignatian Spirituality

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Welcome to An Ignatian Prayer Adventure. This is an adapted version of the Spiritual Exercises. Materials are modified from the longer retreat in The Ignatian Adventure by Kevin O'Brien, SJ.

The eight-week schedule makes it perfectly timed as a Lent and Easter retreat, but the adventure can be started at any time, on your schedule. Join in a flexible experience of daily prayer and reflection. Choose to commit to a regular period of prayer each day, or start with only one day a week. Use as much or as little of the material as helps you in your Ignatian adventure.

Before You Begin
Week 1: Love, Freedom, and Purpose
Week 2: Finding God in All Things
Week 3: Something's Broken
Week 4: Knowing Jesus
Week 5: What Do I Really Want?
Week 6: The Public Ministry of Jesus
Week 7: The Suffering Jesus
Week 8: God's Love and Our Response

Purchase The Ignatian Adventure for the special price of $10 by using the code 4559. Shipping and handling are extra.

Lent 2018
For Lent 2018, Barbara Lee will offer weekly reflections based on themes of the retreat. Lee is the author of the new bookGod Isn't Finished with Me Yet: Discovering the Spiritual Graces of Later Life. Look for her posts on each Wednesday, starting February 14, 2018.

Share An Ignatian Prayer Adventure
If you use a graphic on your website, please add a hyperlink to
https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-spiritual-exercises/an-ignatian-prayer-adventure.

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Welcome to An Ignatian Prayer Adventure. This is an adapted version of the Spiritual Exercises. Materials are modified from the longer retreat in The Ignatian Adventure by Kevin O'Brien, SJ. The eight-week schedule makes it perfectly timed as a Lent and Easter retreat, but the adventure can be started at any time, on your schedule.

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Three Minute Video

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Faith on the Couch

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It's very easy, amid the hustle and bustle of life, to allow Lent to sneak up on us. As a result, we may find ourselves receiving ashes without any clear idea how to participate in the grace that is Lent. Like many, we may simply default to what we did last year perhaps giving up sweets or adding prayer or even volunteering in some corporal work of mercy. While these are certainly good, in themselves and without the proper spiritual disposition, they can lead to simply fulfilling our obligations and nothing more. Lent, like all things important, needs a plan; a specific strategy with one goal in mind, to enter more fully into Christ's passion so that, on Easter, we may enter more fully into His resurrection.

Prior to the Second Vatican Council, the Church specifically set aside a liturgical time to prepare for Lent. Lasting from what was called Septuagesima to Shrove , this three-week period just prior to Lent reminded the faithful that the Lenten season was right around the corner and to get ready. The old English word Shrove means "to hear" as in hearing confessions. Thus, among other things, it was the practice to enter Lent in a state of grace and not wait until Holy Week. This medieval practice should give us a hint as to the first step in any Lenten plan. By entering Lent in a state of grace, we are better able to practice Lent with the spiritual vigor necessary to embrace our Lord's passion.

Beyond making a good confession, and following the prescribed Lenten days of fast and abstinence, it is customary for Catholics to engage in additional penitential practices for the whole of Lent. Though they can fall into three general categories (prayer, fasting and almsgiving); these additional practices, while strongly encouraged, are not regulated by the Church. I typically advise my spiritual directees, as we devise their Lenten plan, to consider a practice counter to one of their biggest spiritual challenges. If, for example, custody of the tongue (gossip) is an issue, we can develop a plan around this vice with corresponding virtues that may include more prayer, fasting and corporal works of mercy. This approach, which can continue in some form beyond Lent, enables them to address specific attitudes and behaviors that impede greater intimate communion with Jesus Christ.

There are three guiding principles that can make a Lenten plan successful. First, it needs to be clearly focused on one major spiritual challenge. To be sure, we all struggle with many challenges, but if we try to address all or even some of them together, we can become easily overwhelmed. Second, the penitential practice should be reasonable and measured. This is where a confessor, spiritual director or even confidant can be helpful. Third, make some provision for failure. Circumstances may change or we may become weak and, as a result, fail to fulfill some of our plan. The danger here is an abandonment of the plan all together. This is why I suggest building into the plan a way to "bounce-back."

Just as the cross is essential to the resurrection, so a good Lent is essential to a good Easter. Taking some time to plan provides the opportunity to pick up our cross and more closely follow Jesus who, in the midst of our Lent, draws so close to us that he can embrace us.

For spiritual direction, contact us at 740-266-6461or visit us at https://www.catholiccounselors.com/spiritual-direction/

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Guest post by Deacon Dominic Cerrato, director of the Pastoral Solutions Spiritual Direction Services It's very easy, amid the hustle and bustle of life, to allow Lent to sneak up on us. As a result, we may find ourselves receiving ashes without any clear idea how to participate in the grace that is Lent.

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A little Lent Trivia. How much do you know about Lent? It won't take you 40 days and 40 nights to test your lent knowledge!

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From the St. Paul Center

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Home

Lent 2018 · Free Streaming

Watch The Bible and the Sacraments or
The Bible and the Virgin Mary for free.
Sign up now!

Lent 2018 · Free Streaming

Watch The Bible and the Sacraments or
The Bible and the Virgin Mary for free this Lent.
Sign up now!

Lent 2018 · Free Streaming

Watch The Bible and the Sacraments or
The Bible and the Virgin Mary for free this Lent.
Sign up now!

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Home Watch The Bible and the Sacraments or The Bible and the Virgin Mary for free. Sign up now! Watch The Bible and the Sacraments or The Bible and the Virgin Mary for free this Lent. Sign up now! Watch The Bible and the Sacraments or The Bible and the Virgin Mary for free this Lent.

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Loyola Press

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Resources for your Lenten journey including Stations of the Cross, Seven Last Words, and Activities for the entire family.

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Ideas to Give Up or Take Up for Lent

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Outside the Box: 66 Things to Give Up or Take Up for Lent (in beginner, intermediate, and advanced)

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Through my various Lenten fails over the years , I've learned a different way of approaching Lent. In our house, we now view Lent as a time...

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For Children & Families

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A Simple Presentation for Kids Ten and Under
Article Tools
1. Jesus is condemned to death. Jesus was accused of many crimes he didn't commit. He didn't defend himself. He knew he needed to die for our sins.

Prayer: Jesus, I often get defensive when I know I did something wrong. Help me be honest. I also don't want to be a tattletale or accuse others of doing wrong.

2. Jesus accepts the cross. The cross was big and heavy. It was hard for Jesus to carry it. Jesus carried the heavy cross without complaining once.

Prayer: Sometimes schoolwork or jobs at home are hard for me and I complain. Jesus, please help me not to complain. I want to keep trying, even when I find something hard.

3. Jesus falls the first time. Jesus was already badly wounded when he fell the first time. It must have hurt very much. Jesus got up and kept on going.

Prayer: When we don't succeed in school or when we lose a sports game, it can make us feel defeated. Jesus was hurt but never defeated. Jesus, I want your attitude of hope and victory even if I am not succeeding.

4. Jesus meets his mother. Jesus knew that his mother was sad to see him suffering so much. But he was so happy she came to him. Mary loved Jesus very much.

Prayer: Our parents love us very much, and sometimes we don't let them hug us and care for us because we are mad or sad or don't want them to see us in trouble. Jesus, I thank you for my parents and their love for me.

5. Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus. Simon didn't come to help Jesus but to see what was going on. Then he was ordered by the soldiers to carry the cross, because Jesus was having such a hard time.

Prayer: Sometimes I don't want to help my friends or brothers and sisters or parents when I am told to. Jesus, help me know that when I do help others, it is like helping you. I want to be kind and helpful.

6. Veronica wipes Jesus' face. Veronica loved Jesus very much. When she stepped out to wipe his face, she risked getting in big trouble from the soldiers. Her love and kindness overcame her fear.

Prayer: Jesus, I want to love you like Veronica. Help me to be brave and love others who are unpopular.

7. Jesus falls a second time. Jesus fell again because he was so weak and tired from all his wounds. He still didn't give up. He got back up and continued on.

Prayer: Think of something that makes you feel weak, something that is hard for you to do. Ask Jesus to help you with this.

8. Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem. A lot of people were against Jesus, but a lot of people followed him. They were his faithful friends.

Prayer: Help me to be a faithful friend. When my friends are going through a hard time or are being made fun of, I want to help them and be a true friend.

9. Jesus falls a third time. It's unbelievable that Jesus fell again and the soldiers didn't help him. They only yelled louder for him to get up and continue on. Jesus didn't get mad at them; he forgave them.

Prayer: Sometimes people say or do hurtful things to us or don't help us when we need them. Jesus, help me to forgive everyone like you did. Help me not to get angry or hold a grudge against someone who has hurt me.

10. Jesus is stripped of his clothes. To be without clothes in front of everyone is a humiliating thing. Jesus wasn't ashamed because he knew his Father in heaven loved him and everyone who was there.

Prayer: Jesus, I want to know how much you and the Father love me, so I will never be embarrassed or ashamed.

11. Jesus is crucified. The soldiers drove nails through Jesus' hands and feet. They lifted up the cross and put it in place. Jesus was in a lot of pain.

Prayer: Many people suffer pain every day from being sick, hungry, poor, and because of war or natural disasters. Jesus, please comfort everyone who is in pain today.

12. Jesus dies on the cross. When Jesus died, the sky got dark and the ground started to shake. This made some people very scared. They saw that Jesus was innocent and that they had made a big mistake.

Prayer: Jesus, help me to admit when I make mistakes. Help me to say I'm sorry. Thank you for always forgiving me. I love you, and I want to do the right thing.

13. Jesus' body is taken down from the cross. Joseph of Arimathea gave Jesus his own burial cave because Jesus didn't have a place to be buried. Joseph was another one of Jesus' friends who took a risk to help him.

Prayer: Sometimes it is risky to step out and help people who are in need. Jesus, I want to be a risk-taker and help others. Give me love and courage.

14. Jesus is laid in the tomb. Even when things look very difficult and sad, there is always hope that God can bring new life.

Prayer: Jesus, I believe that you died and rose from the dead so that I could have new life. Thank you!

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A Simple Presentation for Kids Ten and Under Article Tools 1. Jesus is condemned to death. Jesus was accused of many crimes he didn't commit. He didn't defend himself. He knew he needed to die for our sins. Prayer: Jesus, I often get defensive when I know I did something wrong.