Starting on Ash Wednesday and lasting six weeks until Easter Sunday, Lent is a time for Christians to reflect on their faith and deepen their relationship with God.
Catholic Extension Society’s mission is to work in solidarity with people to build up vibrant and transformative Catholic faith communities among the poor and in the poorest regions of America.
Our donors help us support Catholic faith communities year-round, but Lent offers a special time for us reflect on God’s self-sacrificial love for every person.
As Pope Leo XIV said in his 2026 Lenten Message, this time “invites us to place the mystery of God back in the center of our lives, in order to find renewal in our faith and keep our hearts from being consumed by the anxieties and distractions of daily life.”
Below are seven ways to help you observe Lent this year.
1. Pray
Pope Leo XIV said, “In the midst of the many voices present in our personal lives and in society, Sacred Scripture helps us to recognize and respond to the cry of those who are anguished and suffering.”
Meaningful prayer is the foundation of Lent. Allow time for daily quiet prayer, whether in solitude or in community worship. Try a form of prayer you don’t usually practice, such as praying the Stations of the Cross. You can listen to an audio recording to join in the prayers and also see visuals of the stations from various churches in Extension dioceses here.
2. Cook meatless dishes
Bring fresh variety to your Lenten Fridays with 15 delicious dishes published in our free digital cookbook, A Lenten Journey Through Food. This collection of easy-to-follow recipes were shared by people in the diverse Catholic communities we support across the United States. Each dish tells a story of the unique heritage of different regions—from Northern Michigan’s pasties to Southern Mississippi’s crawfish étouffée, pictured above. Download a free PDF of the cookbook: catholicextension.org/recipes26
3. Listen to our Catholic podcast series
Pope Leo XIV said, “This year, I would first like to consider the importance of making room for the word through listening. The willingness to listen is the first way we demonstrate our desire to enter into relationship with someone.”
Enrich your spiritual Lenten journey by tuning into our podcast series, The American Catholic Spirit. These stories highlight the diverse Catholic communities we support across America. Hear from the people living on the margins in places such as the cherry fields of Washington state or the earthquake-struck Puerto Rican town of Guayanilla. You can explore each community’s faith, hope and resilience. Play our eight episodes here, on Spotify, Apple Music or your preferred podcast platform.
4. Read weekly Lenten reflections
Catholic Extension Society offers free Lenten reflections to help you deepen your faith, renew your spirit, and come closer to Jesus during this time of prayer and reflection. Each Sunday, you will receive a reflection on the Gospel, written by renowned theologian and author, John Shea, that you can use to meditate and contemplate throughout the season. Sign up here to receive our free Lenten reflections directly to your inbox.
5. Support a poor parish
Pope Leo XIV said, “Let us strive to make our communities places where the cry of those who suffer finds welcome, and listening opens paths towards liberation, making us ready and eager to contribute to building a civilization of love.”
Does your parish wish to fundraise this Lenten season to support a poor community? Join Catholic Extension Society’s Parish Partnership program today to directly support another Catholic faith community in need—Our Mother of Mercy, pictured above, a historically Black Catholic parish located along the Gulf Coast in Mobile, Alabama. We provide you with materials to help structure your fundraising program. Get involved today to make a big difference for those in need beyond your own parish borders.
6. Read inspiring stories about Catholic leaders making a difference
This Lent, find inspiration in our stories about the Church’s positive impact on society. Our articles highlight the wonderful and hope-filled works of the Catholic Church. Check out our latest stories, or read these articles below:
‘The poor deserve beautiful things’: A new center of hope for families in rural South Texas
She used to be homeless. Now she’s a guiding light to those still struggling.
‘Catholic Hamburgers’ at the rodeo: See how this church fires up the grill to serve its community
7. Donate to help the poor
Lent also calls us to practice almsgiving by donating to a charity dedicated to helping our poor neighbors. This Lent, you can support the mission of Catholic Extension Society or another of your favorite charities.
By donating to Catholic Extension Society today, you will support our mission to build up vibrant and transformative Catholic faith communities among the poor and in America’s poorest regions.
Our president, Father Jack Wall, wrote in a letter to our supporters, “Our Lenten season calls us to prayer and reflection, as well as sacrifice through almsgiving. And so, my sincerest prayer for the Lenten season is that God may bless all of you for the gift of prayer and almsgiving that you have already provided us.”
We wish you a blessed season as you enter Lent with a generous and open heart.
