Have you been thinking about what you will give up for Lent? Or some people suggest adding something--like praying the Rosary every day or keeping a prayer journal.
I'm hoping to add two things to my Lenten schedule:
1) Attend noon Mass every Tuesday at a nearby church. My kids' school drop-off schedules mean that I can never make morning Mass at our parish. I was thrilled to learn recently that another parish in our area offers a noon Mass every Tuesday. I plan to be there!
2) Spend an hour in the adoration chapel at our parish each week. I was a regular adorer two years ago. But school and activity schedules changed and I haven't been able to carve out a regular time to visit the chapel. I've picked out a day and time and am going to schedule the time in my Cozi calendar. I'm less likely to skip or forget that time if I "carve it in stone" in my online planner/calendar.
I'm hoping to give up one thing during Lent:
1) TV at night. After everyone has gone to bed, I relax by watching TV. We don't have cable, so I'm limited to about 10 broadcast channels. Unfortunately, the programming isn't very good and most of the programs promote values that make me uncomfortable. If I'm truthful with myself, I'm using TV as a passive way to relax at night. But there are much better ways! So I've filled a basket with good reading material--spiritual stuff, classic novels, stuff that intrigues me and says "read me!" I'll place the basket near the chair where I relax at night. Instead of switching on the remote, I'll be picking up a book and filling my mind with good stuff!
That's it. Three things I'll be changing during Lent. Only three, because I really need to keep my life simple these days!
How about you? What are you going to give up or add? If you need some inspiration, check out Catholic All Year's Outside the Box: 66 Things to Give Up or Take Up for Lent or Held By His Pierced Hand's 100 Things to Do for Lent. Then share your "giving up" or "adding" ideas to the comment box below!
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My Lent promise is similar to yours...we are going to go to daily mass once a week. We went last week (a bit early, I know!) for the first time, and loved starting our day off that way. I'm also giving up the Facebook feed...I'm in a few groups that I need to monitor, but I'm planning on staying OFF the feed!
ReplyDeletehttp://enterundermyroof.blogspot.com
Jen,
ReplyDeleteGood idea about giving up the Facebook feed. I've heard people say they are giving up Facebook, but it isn't always realistic. However, giving up the feed might be more do-able for some. Thanks for sharing the idea!
Hi Cheryl
ReplyDeleteI'd love to use your graphic on our website together with our Biblical Reflection to give ideas about what kids etc could give up for Lent, what copyright is involved please?