What is Lent?
Lent for the Christian faithful, is a 40-day period during which we focus on DOING that which draws us closer to Christ Jesus. It is a time to participate in disciplines such as fasting, abstinence, prayer and penance so that we become aware of, and depend on, our Spiritual nature.  The importance of this "awareness" and "dependence" is made clear to us by reflecting on Christ's life immediately prior to his crucifixion.

When am I supposed to eat what, how much and when?
Catholics aged 18 through 59 are asked to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Catholics between the ages of 14 and 59 are ask to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, all Fridays of Lent, and Good Friday as well.

  • To fast means to consume only one full meal a day at most, although taking of other, smaller quantities of food at the other customary mealtimes is permitted. Food and drink "between meals" (excepting only water and medicine) is not permitted on fast days.
  • To abstain from meat means refraining from eating beef, veal, pork, or poultry at least, although not eggs, milk products, or condiments made from animal fat. The consumption of fish, shellfish, and reptiles is permitted if desired.
  • Each in his or her own way, is bound to reconcile differences by virtue of divine law. In the Lenten season, Christ Jesus' own challenges to "prayer, fasting and alms giving" are paramount.

Why 40 days?
The number 40 is commonly used in scripture to represent religious experiences or faith journeys.

  • Moses is said to have spent forty days on Mount Sinai. During that time he experienced God in a new way.
  • The Jewish people wandered in the wilderness for 40 years after Moses led them out of Egypt. They experienced God's love and protection during this time of preparation for entrance into the Promised Land.
  • The prophet Elijah was in the wilderness for forty days as he journeyed to Mount Sinai to be with God.
  • Jesus spent forty days and nights in the wilderness. During this time he was tempted by the devil and was forced to choose between his own glory and God's glory.

    These are all examples of faith journeys. That is what we are on for these 40 days of Lent. A journey to get back into right relationship with God. A journey to prepare ourselves for the celebration of Easter.

What are we doing here at Summit?

  • We are challenging students to follow the above fasting and abstinence regulations.
  • We are challenging students to bring in the money they would spend on "extras" (junk food, pop, etc.) and donate that to our Quarters for Kids Collection.
  • We will be participating in the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Wednesday, February 28.
  • We are going to be praying the Stations of the Cross (one station per morning for 15 mornings).

Additional Lenten Links:

UD Lent website