INSIDE: What is Lent – all your questions answered.
Even as a kid, my Protestant family observed the season of Lent.
There were special Wednesday night services, family devotions, and delicious potlucks.
As a Catholic, I’ve learned more about Lent and now appreciate the more self-sacrificing side to this liturgical season.
Yummy potlucks no more.
Today we’re digging into the most commonly asked questions about Lent.
What is Lent?
Lent is the six week period of preparation for Holy Week (Christ’s Passion and Death) and Easter (Christ’s Resurrection).
What does the word “Lent” mean?
The word Lent derives from the Old English word “lencten” which referred to the lengthening of days or springtime (when Lent falls in the northern hemisphere).
How long is Lent?
Lent is approximately 6 weeks (46 days, or 40 days not counting Sundays) and runs from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday.
Why aren’t Sundays “counted” in the 40 days?
Sundays are a celebration of Christ’s Resurrection and so they are days of joy rather than penance.
What are Septuagesima Sunday, Sexagesima Sunday, Quinquagesima Sunday?
These are the three Sundays preceding Ash Wednesday that mark a transition into Lent. They make up the “Septuagesima Season,” a time of Lenten preparation.
These Sundays were traditionally observed with some of Lenten symbolism: violet vestments, suspension of the Alleluia, Te Deum, and Gloria, scripture readings inspiring repentance.
The names have symbolism but aren’t literal:
- Septuagesima Sunday – Three Sundays prior to Ash Wednesday, from Latin for 70th, as it is approx. 70 days before Easter
- Sexagesima Sunday– Two Sundays prior to Ash Wednesday, from Latin for 60th as it is approx. 60 days before Easter
- Quinquagesima Sunday – the Sunday preceding Ash Wednesday, name comes from Latin for 50th, as this is the 50th day before Easter
Ordinary Time now includes these three Sundays (since the Second Vatican Counsel.)
- Side note: Quadregesima (40) Sunday is the 1st Sunday in Lent.
Read more about the Septuagesima Sundays here.
What is Shrove Tuesday?
Shrove Tuesday is the Tuesday immediately preceding Ash Wednesday.
The word shrove comes from a word meaning absolution (“shrive”).
It is a day for reflecting on how one needs to repent and grow during Lent. We use up and enjoy foods that will be given up for Lent.
In French culture this is known as Mardi Gras or “Fat Tuesday.”
Historically, rich foods like dairy products, eggs, and meat were not eaten during Lent and Shrove Tuesday was the last day to use these items before Ash Wednesday.
When does Lent start?
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday which is 46 days before Easter Sunday.
- Earliest Ash Wednesday can fall – February 4th
- Latest Ash Wednesday can fall – March 10th.
What is Ash Wednesday?
Ash Wednesday is the starting day of Lent (see above).
Catholics who attend Ash Wednesday services receive blessed ashes (burned palms from the previous year’s Palm Sunday) in the sign of the cross on their forehead while the priest says:
“Repent and believe in the Gospel.”
OR
“Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.”
“Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return” is the more traditional of the two phrases and in Latin is translated, “Memento, homo, quia pulvis es, et in pulverem reverteris.“
These phrases remind the celebrants of their mortality and sinfulness. It should inspire repentance.
The ashes are a sacramental. As such, all (Catholics and non-Catholics) can receive the ashes.
Is Ash Wednesday a holyday of obligation for Catholics?
Nope. But participation is encouraged.
Why do Catholics observe it?
Lent is a time of penance and preparation for Easter mimicking Jesus’s withdrawal and sacrifice into the desert before His public ministry.
It is a time to more fully realize our need for a savior so we can more fully enter into the joy of Easter.
Is it just a Catholic thing?
Lent is not just a Catholic thing, but it is also not observed by all Christians either.
Many main line denominations observe Lent though they may observe with different practices than Catholics.
What are the “rules”?
ABSTAIN- Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and all Lenten Fridays
Catholics (14 years of age and older) are required to abstain from meat.
FAST-Ash Wednesday and Good Friday
Catholics (age 22 – 58) are required to fast. This excludes those who cannot fast for medical reasons including pregnant and nursing mothers.
What does it mean to “abstain?”
Abstain means to fast from all meat from land animals (cows, sheep, chickens, etc.) and birds. Fish and shellfish are permitted.
What constitutes a Lenten fast?
To fast means to limit food to one full meatless meal and other food taken during the day to less than one full meal when combined.
Is “Lent” Biblical?
While the term “Lent” is not found in the Bible, our 40 days reflect the 40 day preparation of Jesus in the desert before his public ministry.
There are also many Biblical references to Lenten themes like repentance, fasting, self sacrifice, and almsgiving.
If Sundays don’t count in the 40 days of Lenten fasting, can I partake in what I’ve given up on those days?
Traditionally, we take up penitential acts for the entirety of Lent. This may be most beneficial if we include the Sundays in our fasting practice. However, the Church has no hard rules on this subject.
And, of course, there’s a FREE printable cheat sheet for you in the Subscriber Printable Library.
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I’d love research any further questions you might have! Let me know in the comments other questions you have!
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Lenten Sacrifices for the Young (and Old!)
