Let’s be real—Lent can feel confusing, especially if you’re new to the faith or just trying to take it seriously for the first time. Everyone seems to know what they’re doing. Someone gives up sugar. Someone else gives up social media. Another person casually mentions daily Mass and you’re like… wait, is that required? 😅
Here’s the good news: Lent isn’t about being impressive. It’s not a spiritual competition, and you’re not behind. Lent exists to gently pull us back toward God, one intentional step at a time.
This guide breaks Lent down in a simple, Catholic way—no pressure, no guilt, no complicated theology. Just the basics, explained like we’re having coffee together.
What Is Lent, Really?
At its core, Lent is a season of preparation.
The Church gives us 40 days (not counting Sundays) to prepare our hearts for Easter—the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection. Lent mirrors Jesus’ 40 days in the desert, where He fasted, prayed, and resisted temptation.
But Lent isn’t about suffering for the sake of suffering. It’s about conversion. About making space for God to work in your life.
If that sounds intimidating, don’t worry. It usually starts small.
When Does Lent Start and End?
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at the start of the Easter Triduum on Holy Thursday evening.
You’ll know Ash Wednesday when:
- Catholics walk around with ashes on their foreheads
- The priest says, “Repent, and believe in the Gospel”
- Everyone suddenly remembers it’s Lent
Those ashes aren’t a badge of holiness. They’re a reminder that life is fragile and that we need God—always.
The Three Pillars of Lent (Your Framework)
The Church gives us three simple practices to guide Lent:
1. Prayer
2. Fasting
3. Almsgiving
You don’t have to do everything perfectly. You just need to do something intentionally.
Let’s break them down.
Prayer: Start Where You Are
Prayer during Lent doesn’t mean suddenly praying like a monk.
It means adding a little more God into your daily routine.
Beginner-friendly prayer ideas:
- Spend 5–10 quiet minutes with God each day
- Read the daily Gospel
- Pray the Rosary once a week
- Talk to God honestly (yes, even awkwardly)
If you don’t know what to say, that’s fine. God already knows your heart. Silence counts too.
Ever noticed how prayer feels harder when you actually need it most? That’s normal. Keep going anyway.
Fasting: It’s Not Just About Food
When people hear “fasting,” they usually think of giving up chocolate—and sure, that’s part of it sometimes.
But Catholic fasting has a purpose: to detach us from comfort so we can attach ourselves more fully to God.
What the Church Actually Requires
- Ash Wednesday & Good Friday:
- One full meal
- Two smaller meals
- No snacking
- Fridays of Lent:
- Abstain from meat
That’s it. Everything else is optional.
Other Fasting Ideas for Beginners
- Social media
- Complaining
- Late-night scrolling
- Gossip
- Unnecessary spending
IMO, giving up something that actually challenges you spiritually matters more than giving up dessert you didn’t care about anyway.
Almsgiving: Love in Action
Almsgiving means giving to others, especially the poor and vulnerable.
This isn’t only about money—although financial giving does matter.
Beginner-friendly almsgiving ideas:
- Donate to a Catholic charity
- Buy food for someone in need
- Volunteer your time
- Pray intentionally for others
- Practice patience and kindness
Ask yourself: Where can I love more generously this Lent?
That question alone can change everything.
What About Sundays During Lent?
Here’s something many beginners don’t know: Sundays are not days of fasting.
Every Sunday celebrates the Resurrection, even during Lent. That’s why the Church doesn’t require fasting on Sundays.
That said, many people choose to continue their sacrifices anyway. Either approach is okay—just be intentional.
No need to panic if you eat chocolate on a Sunday. You’re not breaking Lent. Promise.
Choosing a Lenten Sacrifice (Without Overdoing It)
You don’t need:
- 10 sacrifices
- A color-coded Lent tracker
- A spiritual breakdown by week two
Choose one or two realistic commitments.
Ask yourself:
- Will this bring me closer to God?
- Will this help me grow in virtue?
- Can I realistically sustain this for 40 days?
If the answer is yes, you’re on the right track.
Common Lent Mistakes (We’ve All Made Them)
Let’s clear these up:
- ❌ Trying to be perfect
- ❌ Comparing your Lent to others
- ❌ Giving up something just to say you did
- ❌ Forgetting why you started
Lent isn’t about performance. It’s about presence—showing up, even imperfectly.
If you mess up? Start again the next day. God doesn’t keep score like we do.
Confession: A Big Deal During Lent
Lent is one of the best times to go to Confession, especially if it’s been a while.
Yes, it can feel awkward. Yes, you might be nervous. But Confession offers something powerful: a clean slate.
If you’re unsure how to go, most parishes will walk you through it step by step. Priests hear everything—you won’t shock them, I promise.
Many Catholics say Confession is the moment Lent really becomes real for them.
Lent Is a Journey, Not a Checklist
Here’s the heart of it: Lent is about relationship.
God isn’t waiting for you to fail. He’s inviting you closer. Lent simply creates space for that invitation to be heard.
Some days will feel meaningful. Some days will feel dry. Both are part of the journey.
Stick with it.
Final Thoughts
If you’re new to Lent, you’re already doing something right by wanting to understand it. Start small. Stay honest. Keep showing up.
Lent isn’t about becoming someone else—it’s about becoming more fully who God created you to be.
And remember: Easter joy feels deeper when you’ve walked through Lent with intention.
For more Lenten content, check this out.