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CallMeCatholic
Guest
Hoping to increase Daily Prayer from 2-3 times a day to 4-5. Along with that, I’m debating whether or not to give up some everyday luxuries. We’ll see!
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angierabbit2012
Guest
**I came into the Church last Easter, so LENT was a BRAND NEW experience for me.
Growing up Protestant, LENT was just a word on my calendar.
I had NO idea what it was about until I started this Catholic journey of Faith.:sad_yes:
Last year, I fasted during the appropriate times
and I abstained from meat EVERYDAY of LENT.
It was difficult, but I REALLY felt closer to our Lord through it all.
This year, I wanted my sacrifice to be an even GREATER one,
so I am giving up FACEBOOK completely!!:takethat:
I have even created a status picture that states that I am giving up FB for LENT so that friends won’t wonder where I’ve gone.
I am also going to limit my time on FORUMS as well.:compcoff::bighanky:
I will be allowing myself just 15 minutes a day on FORUMS
to check my posts and address prayers that I’m committed to.
That may not sound significant or sincere enough to some,
but I assure you, it is a HUGE sacrifice for me,
and one that I put a great deal of thought into before I made the decision.:newidea:
I plan to use the time that I would normally spend online, in PRAYER (especially my ROSARY),
and in SCRIPTURE STUDY (especially The Passion).
My prayers are with you ALL during this special time in our Church. GOD bless you!
**
Growing up Protestant, LENT was just a word on my calendar.
I had NO idea what it was about until I started this Catholic journey of Faith.:sad_yes:
Last year, I fasted during the appropriate times
and I abstained from meat EVERYDAY of LENT.
It was difficult, but I REALLY felt closer to our Lord through it all.
This year, I wanted my sacrifice to be an even GREATER one,
so I am giving up FACEBOOK completely!!:takethat:
I have even created a status picture that states that I am giving up FB for LENT so that friends won’t wonder where I’ve gone.
I am also going to limit my time on FORUMS as well.:compcoff::bighanky:
I will be allowing myself just 15 minutes a day on FORUMS
to check my posts and address prayers that I’m committed to.
That may not sound significant or sincere enough to some,
but I assure you, it is a HUGE sacrifice for me,
and one that I put a great deal of thought into before I made the decision.:newidea:
I plan to use the time that I would normally spend online, in PRAYER (especially my ROSARY),
and in SCRIPTURE STUDY (especially The Passion).
My prayers are with you ALL during this special time in our Church. GOD bless you!
**
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mattkubes
Guest
What Catholics did before the…1960s. 
Fasting and partial-abstinence on Monday-Thursday (except Ash/Ember Wednesday).
Fasting and complete abstinence on Friday & Saturday.
Because as Pope Benedict XIV said:
“The observance of Lent is the very badge of Christian warfare. By it we prove ourselves not to be enemies of Christ. By it we avert the scourges of divine justice. By it we gain strength against the princes of darkness, for it shields us with heavenly help. Should men grow remiss in their observance of Lent, it would be a detriment to God’s glory, a disgrace to the Catholic religion, and a danger to Christian souls.”
Fasting and partial-abstinence on Monday-Thursday (except Ash/Ember Wednesday).
Fasting and complete abstinence on Friday & Saturday.
Because as Pope Benedict XIV said:
“The observance of Lent is the very badge of Christian warfare. By it we prove ourselves not to be enemies of Christ. By it we avert the scourges of divine justice. By it we gain strength against the princes of darkness, for it shields us with heavenly help. Should men grow remiss in their observance of Lent, it would be a detriment to God’s glory, a disgrace to the Catholic religion, and a danger to Christian souls.”
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TheRealJuliane
Guest
You inspire me, my thoughts have been the same… I spend WAY too much time online, and FB is a total waste of time. This forum is edifying, and a wonderful way to connect with other Catholics, but there are many other things I could be doing with my time. So…Tomorrow…**I came into the Church last Easter, so LENT was a BRAND NEW experience for me.
Growing up Protestant, LENT was just a word on my calendar.
I had NO idea what it was about until I started this Catholic journey of Faith.
Last year, I fasted during the appropriate times
and I abstained from meat EVERYDAY of LENT.
It was difficult, but I REALLY felt closer to our Lord through it all.
This year, I wanted my sacrifice to be an even GREATER one,
so I am giving up FACEBOOK completely!!:takethat:
I have even created a status picture that states that I am giving up FB for LENT so that friends won’t wonder where I’ve gone.
I am also going to limit my time on FORUMS as well.
I will be allowing myself just 15 minutes a day on FORUMS
to check my posts and address prayers that I’m committed to.
My prayers are with you ALL during this special time in our Church. GOD bless you!
**
:coffeeread::takethat::bible1:
I also participate in 40 Days for Life, and I pray in front of the largest Planned Parenthood in the Western Hemisphere. Please remember to pray for an end to abortion! Maybe say a rosary a day for the unborn?
God bless you too!!
And welcome home!!!
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AveMariaMag7
Guest
Limit my time on the computer. 20 Minutes max (I have prayer commitments) etc.
No crosswords (I mean puzzles) Don’t do the other.
Aim for 15 mysteries of the rosary daily
Daily Mass (had been doing it regularly but have fallen off lately)
No chocolates (except Sundays)
My adult children say that’s cheating (but count 40 days from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday and if you exclude Sundays THEN it IS 40 days) Otherwise its 46, soooooo Do I have a case?) Children say NO. It’s the spirit of the thing. Ah well, I’d hate to see those stashed chocolates go to waste even on Sundays.
Sleeping on the floor? Never did it. Can’t now, I’m too old and couldn’t get up. But many great saints did it. If young men can sleep on the ground for the sake of camping, why can’t they do it for God? Way to go ATeutonicKnight
I knew a girl who put a board on her bed so her family wouldn’t know she was sleeping on the (equivalent) of a floor. She was the most chaste person in that family.
Oh, yes, I forgot to add: spiritual readings the Bible/Imitation of Christ and Way of Mental Prayer.
That’s my aim anyway. I pray my Guardian Angel will help me to not miss my aim.
No crosswords (I mean puzzles) Don’t do the other.
Aim for 15 mysteries of the rosary daily
Daily Mass (had been doing it regularly but have fallen off lately)
No chocolates (except Sundays)
My adult children say that’s cheating (but count 40 days from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday and if you exclude Sundays THEN it IS 40 days) Otherwise its 46, soooooo Do I have a case?) Children say NO. It’s the spirit of the thing. Ah well, I’d hate to see those stashed chocolates go to waste even on Sundays.
Sleeping on the floor? Never did it. Can’t now, I’m too old and couldn’t get up. But many great saints did it. If young men can sleep on the ground for the sake of camping, why can’t they do it for God? Way to go ATeutonicKnight
I knew a girl who put a board on her bed so her family wouldn’t know she was sleeping on the (equivalent) of a floor. She was the most chaste person in that family.
Oh, yes, I forgot to add: spiritual readings the Bible/Imitation of Christ and Way of Mental Prayer.
That’s my aim anyway. I pray my Guardian Angel will help me to not miss my aim.
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onmyknees
Guest
I am going to give up shopping and my other sinful habit. I will go to go to our Adoration chapel every night to adore Him and read from the Liturgy of the Hours. I will pray for the end of abortion and pray for our priests. I am going to fast one day a week and give more to the poor.
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odile53
Guest
Reading the diary of St. Faustina, and trying to be more merciful with the people around me, especially my coworkers. I was whining about them to my spiritual director, and he told me they’re my personal hair shirt, as I probably am to them, so I might as well start putting some faith into practice in my dealings with them. Little things, such as dealing with an irritable coworker with a smile instead of a grumble, doing something extra instead of confining myself to my job description, and trying to be more charitable in little ways throughout the day. Not holding forth to anyone crazy enough to stand there and listen about how I think things should run, unless I truly do have a good idea and then I can present it humbly and without attachment to my boss. You’d have to see the amount of crumminess in my workplace to know what kind of challenge this is going to be for me. I think the Lent I gave up smoking was easier.
Oh, yeah, and by the way, Father said to do all of this stuff lovingly and if possible with a smile. It doesn’t count if I act like a martyr about it. In other words, no “holier than thou,” no whining, and no griping.
I guess in short it boils down to I’m giving up being a pain in the (fill in whatever anatomic feature you want.)
And yeah, I do realize that pointing out about how this is going to be so challenging IS NOT adhering to the spirit of what I’m trying to do. And we’re not even three hours into Lent already.
Oh, yeah, and by the way, Father said to do all of this stuff lovingly and if possible with a smile. It doesn’t count if I act like a martyr about it. In other words, no “holier than thou,” no whining, and no griping.
I guess in short it boils down to I’m giving up being a pain in the (fill in whatever anatomic feature you want.)
And yeah, I do realize that pointing out about how this is going to be so challenging IS NOT adhering to the spirit of what I’m trying to do. And we’re not even three hours into Lent already.
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AniCS
Guest
I have zero problem with a seven yer old going to a party. How reflective is the child? Does he understand Lent that well? Has he had first communion? I have never found anywhere is the Catechism that says stop leaning during Lent. 
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WINGS_DAY
Guest
sit on my bed and listen to radio static
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belchers1
Guest
Thank you. I am new at this. Our whole family is coming into the church this Easter. He will receive First Communion then. We’ve talked about Lent, and it’s purpose. The kids are sacrificing up Netflix and sweets. My plan is to try to pray the rosary daily with them, and read more saint stories, in addition to our catechism studies.I have zero problem with a seven yer old going to a party. How reflective is the child? Does he understand Lent that well? Has he had first communion? I have never found anywhere is the Catechism that says stop leaning during Lent.
I still have a lot of learning to do!
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MissRose73
Guest
I certainly plan to keep in mind to pray, alms giving/good works, and fast/abstinence.
Also giving up junk foods like chips, candies, and chocolates - my largest vices.
Also, I am trying to be more charitable in my thoughts and words especially towards those who try to annoy me or get on my nerves. That will be something to take a day at a time but a challenge.
Also giving up junk foods like chips, candies, and chocolates - my largest vices.
Also, I am trying to be more charitable in my thoughts and words especially towards those who try to annoy me or get on my nerves. That will be something to take a day at a time but a challenge.
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Melchior_1
Guest
- Do the Breviary more.
- Give up SWTOR.
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Ohana
Guest
I have no problem with children or others celebrating birthdays during Lent. After all, we do celebrate life! And we celebrate each other. I would hate to have children, especially, think that religion was such a grim thing that they could not celebrate their birthday, or a friends birthday. Hope your child and his/her friends enjoy themselves.
All of us in our family are adults except for a teen age grandson. We still celebrate with cards, gifts, favorite cake etc. Three of us have birthdays that usually fall during lent, at least two of them each year. We kid about giving each other a “dispensation”, but that too reminds us of our Catholic culture.
You could also encourage your child (and others in the family) to offer their joy to God - that’s a good offering too.
All of us in our family are adults except for a teen age grandson. We still celebrate with cards, gifts, favorite cake etc. Three of us have birthdays that usually fall during lent, at least two of them each year. We kid about giving each other a “dispensation”, but that too reminds us of our Catholic culture.
You could also encourage your child (and others in the family) to offer their joy to God - that’s a good offering too.
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dailey
Guest
Lents here! :bounce:
I have enjoyed reading everyone’s responses. Sometimes lent gets a little overwhelming so its nice to be able to see what others are doing. Wow, some of you are really putting me to shame!
However, I did add one more thing to my list. No facebook (only check in on Sundays).
I have enjoyed reading everyone’s responses. Sometimes lent gets a little overwhelming so its nice to be able to see what others are doing. Wow, some of you are really putting me to shame!
However, I did add one more thing to my list. No facebook (only check in on Sundays).
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michelleds
Guest
I’m adhering to the 1962 rules of fasting (posted above by another), reading The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus, donate the money saved on food. Attend daily Mass more frequently. Pray Stations of the Cross at least once, but hopefully once a week.
This is in addition to my current daily practices of prayer, LOTH, and spiritual reading. I have to be careful not to just exchange practices, but to add.
I also am trying to be very aware of potential bragging or public declarations of suffering or whatever. I think this is a subtle stumbling block for me so I want to be sure that any conversation I have about my Lenten practices are with pure motive and not selfish ones.
For those others who are doing the pre-1962 fast, have you done this before? I’m a little worried and want to do the right thing.
This is in addition to my current daily practices of prayer, LOTH, and spiritual reading. I have to be careful not to just exchange practices, but to add.
I also am trying to be very aware of potential bragging or public declarations of suffering or whatever. I think this is a subtle stumbling block for me so I want to be sure that any conversation I have about my Lenten practices are with pure motive and not selfish ones.
For those others who are doing the pre-1962 fast, have you done this before? I’m a little worried and want to do the right thing.
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ByzCath08
Guest
I’m working myself up to the traditional eastern christian lent. This year, I’m abstaining from all dairy/eggs every day and meat on M-W-F. I will attend all of our Pre-Sanctified liturgies on Friday, read the ladder of divine ascent and readings from the church fathers on each day of Great Lent.
Glory to Jesus Christ!
Glory to Jesus Christ!
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mattkubes
Guest
I did it last Lent - fasting with a smile is my goal for this year. Honestly, it’s not easy, but it’s the least we can do when we consider what He did for us.
Is there anything you are worried about in particular though?
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michelleds
Guest
I’m not certain what 2 small meals that don’t equal the one meal looks like. for instance, I haven’t eaten yet today and I’m going to noon Mass. so when I come back to the office, I’m going to eat some pineapple and nuts. then at 3:00 i’ll eat some more fruit, maybe an apple. dinner will probably be a salad (no meat). Does this look about right?
I don’t want to pass out, but I want to do what I set out to do…
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Link0126
Guest
sleep on the floor. probably need to add in a daily rosary or something similar.
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mattkubes
Guest
Ah gotcha. The two small meals, or collations (from the French for ‘snack’), are there to help us maintain our strength throughout the day. If you’re getting to the point where you feel like you’ll pass out, your collations obviously aren’t helping to maintain your strength.
Just as an example - this morning I had a granola bar. For lunch I’m going to have one of those canned meal replacements. These are definitely small meals, but they get me through the day till supper. And remember, juice doesn’t break the Lenten fast (it does break the Eucharistic fast, though). If you’re feeling faint, grab some milk or juice and offer up some quick prayers for these minor ‘relaxations.’
It’s sad that the importance of prayer and fasting has been downplayed in recent decades - I’m sure you’ll find this to be a time of great grace and spiritual growth if you persevere. God bless!
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