Ideas for Lent

I’ve mentioned in another thread that this Lent I’ll be shifting the vast majority of my prayer intentions to consoling the Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Now, I’m thinking of adding to that, I’ll still be fasting a lot this Lent, but throughout the latter part of 2020 and into 2021, I’ve been spending a lot of money on what’s happening and what’s coming next, and with my plans to become a homesteader I now have a new list of things to buy and save-up for. Today, while I was watching Matt Fradd’s video on Lent, I got the idea that, while I’ll still be going ahead with my plan to become a homesteader, I’ll be putting that plan on pause through Lent, and spend most of my money through the Lenten Season on alms giving.

The reason I think that this is the sacrifice I should make for Lent is that, the big thing I’ve been called to do in my life so far is trust God, (which is also a key reason why I think the homesteading life is for me, I’ll be more dependent on God and will have to do things His way through the order of nature) and so perhaps this Lent I should take a great leap of Faith and give my loaves to Him, trusting that He’ll multiply them. Also, as I’ve mentioned before on here, I wasted a lot of my early adult life on sin and vice, perhaps it’s only right that I “waste” some of my life on God.

What are your thoughts? What do you plan to give up for Lent?

 

I was reading on what the Muslims do in Ramadan. The False Prophet Muhammad actually based Ramadan on our own Catholic Lent. Islam tries to do without food and water from sun up to sun down. I think doing without water is a very bad idea. But I do like the idea of only eating strictly once a day . I usually try to do this anyway but got very lax.

I am also going off alchohol and poker, which will probably kill me , but I'll try anyway.

On a positive note trying to get to confession once a week and many visits to the Blessed Sacrament.

 

Padraig - where do you get confession? Do you have to make an appointment?

There hasn't been confession near me for ages -- they have closed everything down.

 

They hear confession every day. Though it is quite a strict confession, I have come to enjoy it/

https://latinmassbelfast.co.uk/2020/03/updates-from-the-immaculate-heart-of-mary.html

The Church of the Immaculate Heart remains open for personal prayer as follows: Monday to Friday (except Wednesdays): 3 pm – 7:30 pm. Sundays, Wednesdays, & Saturdays: 9 am – 12 noon.

I strongly recommend that you make a daily spiritual communion, with your families if possible and that you receive the Sacrament of Confession at least as often as you usually do.

Holy Communion:

Those who would like to receive sacramentally the Blessed Sacrament during the day can contact us and arrangements can be made.

Confessions:

Individual confessions are available:

Weekdays: 6-7 pm (except Wednesdays)

Sundays, Wednesdays & Saturdays: 11 am – 12 noon.

Any other time, provided that the priest is available.

 

Thanks, Padraig that's great -

 

I find myself at a stage in life where I actually have been fasting for a few years now. It really helps my health and I'm trying to stay independent. Also I have a good prayer regimen with the Divine Office, Rosary, and Quiet Prayer daily so I don't want to add more structure. Anyway, since I moved to where I am I have been trying to practice daily all the things I used to do for Lent each year. So now what I usually do for Lent is make sure to read a really good, difficult and deep spiritual book. Some of my favorites are The Dialogue of Saint Catherine of Siena (WOW), anything of theology by Frank Sheed, and anything by St Teresa of Avila or any of the Carmelite Saints. Just started for the second time Theology for Beginners by Frank Sheed. I read it a few years ago but decided to read again and see if I remembered. I did absorb alot that first time but this time is so much easier and satisfying. I do have a hunger to know as much as possible about God, and therefore be able to love Him better. If I have missed anything you can recommend would appreciate it! I have read most of the Saints books out there the above are the ones that I keep coming back to that really satisfy.