Lent 2009

Published: February 21, 2009

Click on a headline below to read selected stories from the special 2009 Lent section which appeared in the Feb. 21 issue of Arkansas Catholic.

For more on how you can make the most out of your Lenten journey this year, visit the Lenten resources page at www.dolr.org .

Fasting out of love
The 40-day penitential season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and culminates in the Easter Triduum, the celebration of Christ's passion, death and resurrection. Christians observe Lent primarily through fasting, prayer and almsgiving.

Lenten questions & answers

Lent observance growing among other Christian churches
Beginning Ash Wednesday, Catholics enter the 40-day penitential season of Lent, but they are not the only Christians to do so. In fact, a growing number of Christian denominations are incorporating Lenten observances into their Christian experience.

Spiritual direction can help people discern God's plan
"Spiritual direction is, in reality, nothing more than a way of leading us to see and obey the real Director -- the Holy Spirit hidden in the depths of our soul." (Thomas Merton, Trappist monk)

Ash Wednesday gifts help mission work
The annual Ash Wednesday Collection will be taken up Feb. 25 at all Masses in the Diocese of Little Rock.

Simple sacrifices help Operation Rice Bowl fight poverty, hunger
Parishioners in the Diocese of Little Rock are asked to join fellow Catholics across the country in putting their faith into action through Operation Rice Bowl this Lent. The program, sponsored by Catholic Relief Services, begins on Ash Wednesday.

Parishes to hold Stations, missions, fish fries during Lent
The following parishes in the Diocese of Little Rock submitted their Lenten schedules.