How do Catholics observe Lent?

Lent begins on March 5, 2025, with Ash Wednesday, one of the most sacred days of the year for all Christians. Lent is a 40-day season of prayer and penance meant to help convert the faithful’s minds and hearts back to God. To help do this, Catholics pray, fast, and give alms. By eliminating worldly distractions and spending more time in prayer, they can better hear the voice of God.

This Lenten season takes place during the Jubilee Year of Hope, a beautiful time for Christians to turn to the love and mercy of God.

Bishop David Zubik said: “We should keep in mind that Pope Francis has invited us to be pilgrims of hope in this jubilee year. When we embark on this year’s path to the great feast of Easter, I can think of no better expression of hope than the hope in the first letter of Saint Peter: ‘Because of His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead’. Our hope is not just wishful thinking; it is a living hope that guides us not only to Easter, but to the promise of eternal life.”

“During these weeks, we have the opportunity to reflect on just how endless is God’s love for us and how generous is His mercy for us. Our Lenten resolutions should reflect the joy of both God’s love and His mercy.”

During Lent, Catholics observe days of fast and abstinence in the Catholic Church. The obligation of abstinence (refraining from eating meat) begins at the age of 14. The law of fasting (limiting oneself to one full meal and two lighter meals) obliges all between the ages of 18-59. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence. Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence in the United States. Individuals who have a medical condition in which fasting may be considered harmful are not obliged to fast, but should perform some other act of penance or charity.

There are many opportunities in the diocese to connect with Jesus during the Lenten season:

• Churches around the diocese celebrate Mass and offer the distribution of ashes on Ash Wednesday. Check with parishes for their schedules.
• “The Light is On for You” on April 9, 2025 provides the opportunity encounter the merciful love of God in the sacrament of confession in every parish at the suggested time of 6 to 9 p.m. Look up the times that the sacrament is offered at a parish near you.
• Parish Fish Frys are a great opportunity for a delicious Lenten meal and parish fellowship. More information can be found in our Fish Fry Guide here: https://diopitt.org/fish-fry-guide.
• Text LENT2025 to 84576 to join the Lenten Challenge and receive an inspirational text message every day in Lent.
• Read the Lenten issue of Pittsburgh Catholic magazine for reflections and meditations to guide your prayer life: https://diopitt.org/pittsburgh-catholic-magazine.
• For additional details on Lenten observances and events, visit: https://diopitt.org/lent.