4 practices for a more fruitful lent

1.Fast on Fridays
The Church requires us to fast only two days each year—Ash Wednesday and Good Friday—but we can certainly undertake this penitential sacrifice more frequently. Make it a practice to eat only bread and water or to drink only liquids until dinner on Fridays during Lent. (Don’t forget that abstinence from meat is required of Catholics on Lenten Fridays.)

2.Pray the Stations of the Cross
Most parishes pray the Stations on Fridays during Lent as a group. If you are unable to attend, find some quiet time during the week to visit your church and prayerfully follow Jesus in these 14 events of His Passion and Crucifixion.

3.Commit to a Weekly Holy Hour
Spending an hour in prayer in front of the Blessed Sacrament is so pleasing to our Savior. “So you could not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test.” (Matthew 26:40-41) If this is a new practice for you, an online search or a visit to a Catholic bookstore will turn up plenty of resources for prayers and meditations for a Holy Hour.

4.Practice Charity
Go through your closets and pantry to find clothes, toys, food and other items to donate to the poor. You might also volunteer your time to a charity or visit the sick in a hospital or nursing home. Perhaps you can give up some luxury or habit during Lent and make a donation with the money you saved.