Lent is a sacred season in the Catholic Church that prepares us for the celebration of Easter, the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a 40-day period of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that invites us to grow closer to God and to reflect more deeply on our lives.
The 40 days of Lent echo the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert, where He fasted and prayed before beginning His public ministry. During that time, He faced temptation but remained faithful to His mission. In the same way, Lent calls us to step away from distractions, strengthen our spiritual habits, and renew our commitment to Christ.
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, when Catholics receive ashes on their foreheads in the shape of a cross. The ashes are a reminder of our need for repentance and our dependence on God. The season continues until Holy Week, which includes Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and ultimately Easter Sunday.
There are three primary practices of Lent:
Prayer
Lent is a time to deepen our relationship with God. This may include attending Mass more frequently, spending time in Eucharistic Adoration, praying the Rosary, or simply setting aside quiet time each day to speak with the Lord.
Fasting
Fasting helps us practice self-discipline and detach from comforts that can distract us from God. Catholics fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday and abstain from meat on Fridays during Lent. Many people also choose to “give up” something meaningful as a way of uniting small sacrifices with Christ’s sacrifice.
Almsgiving
Almsgiving encourages us to think beyond ourselves and care for those in need. This may include donating to charity, serving others, or offering acts of kindness and generosity within our own families and communities.
At Everest Academy, Lent is a meaningful time of formation for our students. Throughout the season, students participate in special prayer opportunities, acts of service, and intentional sacrifices that help them grow in virtue. We encourage families to live Lent together at home—through shared prayer, small sacrifices, and conversations about the meaning of Christ’s sacrifice and love.
Lent is not meant to be a gloomy season, but a hopeful one. It is a time of spiritual renewal—a chance to begin again. Through prayer, sacrifice, and charity, we prepare our hearts to fully rejoice in the joy of Easter.
Ultimately, Lent is about conversion. It is about turning our hearts back to God and allowing Him to transform us so that we may live more fully as His disciples.