One of the traditional Lenten practices for Catholics is prayer. During this holy season we are called to grow closer to our Lord by increasing and focusing our prayer life. What better way to do this than by attending a weekday Mass?
A Weekday Mass as a Family Affair
So try to step out of your routine and go to at least one Mass other than Sunday. I encourage families to do this together. Is your Monday through Friday routine too busy to do this? Try a Saturday morning Mass.
Weekday Mass has a quietness which I appreciate. Sometimes I find that the smaller congregation makes it easier to focus on the prayers and the meaning of the liturgy. But don't worry about taking your children. My experience at weekday Mass is that the "regulars" love having families there, even if they are a little noisy. What a blessing to have our younger Catholics join us around the altar of the Lord!
And what a beautiful thing to teach our youth about Mass! We don't just go because we have to in order to fulfill our Sunday obligation. We go because we understand that we need the grace we receive in order to sustain us, especially during this holy season of Lent.
A Community of Faith
When I was in college, a group of us went every morning during Lent. One of the parishioners commented to us that it really gave a boost to their Lenten journey to see so many college students at Mass every morning. So this is not just a practice which helps us, but it can also be a help to our whole faith community.
I have recently come to a point in my life where I am once again able to attend daily Mass. What a blessing and a joy this is to me! I remember my earlier experience in college and I know now that the Lord was preparing me for this time in my life when I needed more grace to deal with the stress of caring for an aging parent who has mental illness issues. The grace and peace I receive at weekday Mass and the support of my faith community sustains me through this difficult situation.
Plant a Seed
So please try it! It is a beautiful Lenten practice. Even if you just attend one Mass outside of your routine Sunday schedule I think you will find that it adds meaning to your Lenten experience. And who knows, it might plant a seed that you or your children come to later in life when you really need more grace and the support of your community.
Resources
More Lenten Ideas
Lent is a time to answer the call to conversion. Catholics practice self discipline by abstaining from meat on Fridays and making other small sacrifices. Giving alms and spending increased time in prayer are also traditional practices during this holy season. Catholics also are encouraged to go to reconciliation during Lent.
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