Catholic Liturgy Calendar for 2023-2024 (Year B)

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Ash Wednesday begins the holy season of Lent. Forty days of prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

Journey through Lent Reflections

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) invites you to join their Journey through Lent video series. This year’s presenters are the Most Reverend Martin Laliberté, P.M.É., Bishop of Trois-Rivières (in French), and the Most Reverend Stephen A. Hero, Bishop of Prince Albert, as well as the Most Reverend Mark Hagemoen, Bishop of Saskatoon (in English).  

 

Dying to sin / Living for God

Lent is a time of prayer and penance, when Christ wants to lead us back to our baptismal promises of dying to sin and of living for God. We prepare ourselves to enter once again into Jesus’ Paschal mystery and to renew it in our lives.

Dying to sin
During Lent, God’s people seek to put sin out of their lives by uprooting habits and tendencies that are contrary to God’s will. It is a time of conversion, of turning away from our sins and of turning back to God. 

Living for God
The Lord Jesus is calling us to be people of praise and prayer, and living signs of his love for all. During Lent, we open our hearts to our Father, so that we may live with Christ for God. 

​Today the Church invites us to prepare for Easter by doing individual penance and penance as a group; by reading God’s word more carefully; by praying more ardently, including sincere prayer for sinners; by giving of ourselves to the service of God’s people. (Source: CCCB, Living Lent)

Penitential Practices

The season of Lent has traditionally been a time of prolonged penance for the Christian community. Together we prepare for the great Easter mysteries by  committing ourselves to fulfill our baptismal call to maturity, holiness, service, and community. 

Bishop McGrattan reiterates the importance of works of mercy, which have always been the Church’s witness to “love in action” in every age. They express our mercy, compassion and justice for one another. We invite you to read our Bishop's advice and practical examples on how to care for one another with the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. 

Almsgiving

The season of Lent has traditionally been a time of prolonged penance for the Christian community. Together we prepare for the great Easter mysteries by  committing ourselves to fulfill our baptismal call to maturity, holiness, service, and community. 

Bishop McGrattan reiterates the importance of works of mercy, which have always been the Church’s witness to “love in action” in every age. They express our mercy, compassion and justice for one another. We invite you to read our Bishop's advice and practical examples on how to care for one another with the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. 

Lent in 3 Minutes

What is Lent all about? Why do Christians receive ashes on Ash Wednesday? Why 40 days? Watch the updated version of Busted Halo's classic video explaining the significance of this season of prayer, fasting, and giving, and how you can make the most of this time of repentance and renewal. Watch now

 Lenten Resources

Visit our Diocesan Lenten Resources at catholicyyc.ca/Lent and find listing of Lenten missions/retreats in the Diocese, daily lenten reflections, Stations of the Cross, activities during Lent for individuals, children, or family.