Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 22, 2023.
ABOUT LENT. The liturgical season of Lent developed in the early Christian communities as a period of final preparation for catechumens preparing to be baptized at the Easter Vigil; baptized Christians accompanied the catechumens in this process of discernment and enlightenment as a sign of support and in preparation for renewing their own baptismal promises at Easter. During the Middle Ages, the focus on celebrating or renewing baptismal promises was overshadowed by an emphasis on personal penance and sacrifice. It was recovered by the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s, which shifted the focus of Lent from penance to conversion. Today, Lenten practice combines prayer, fasting and almsgiving with reconciliation and study or personal renewal for a period of 40 days (not counting Sundays) which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Thursday.
Everything you need to know about Lent in the Waterloo parishes is just a click away...
> Schedule of Ash Wednesday and Lenten Services and Activities in Local Parishes
> Guidelines for Fasting and Abstinence
> Guide to Common Lenten Customs and Devotions
> Opportunities for Lenten Study and Enrichment
> Archive of Online Lenten Resources for Personal Study and Growth
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Email us at dbqwcaf@dbqasrch.org or call 319-233-0498.
[Last Update: 02.16.23]