7QT – 7 Lenten Practices

Please join me and other Catholic bloggers at This Ain’t the Lyceum for 7QT Friday.

1. Fasting
This seems like a no-brainer, but too many of us don’t realize the importance of this ancient practice. Fasting doesn’t have to be just bread and water (since I’m gluten free, on fasting days, I don’t eat meat and eat less food). To find out more about fasting, check out Andy LaVallee’s book, From the Hub to the Heart and his website: http://livethefast.org

2. Daily Mass
Although we live in a small community, we are fortunate that Daily Mass is available every day (not just during Lent).

3. Stations of the Cross
Most churches offer Stations at some point during Lent, usually on Fridays. If you’re doing the Stations on your own, this series of prayers and reflections was written by Mother Angelica.

4. Spiritual Reading
Daily Reflection booklets and websites like The Word Among Us and others are ideal for Lent. Also check out As Morning Breaks, a daily reflection e-book compiled by Lisa Hendey, with contributions from my fellow Catholic Mom contributors. Another wonderful reading for Lent is Working Mother, short fiction from Erin McCole Cupp.

5. Lenten Movies
Some of my favorites are The Passion of the Christ, Ben Hur, King of Kings, The Robe.

6. Confession
Attend the Sacrament of Reconciliation frequently, not just during Lent! You can find a good examination of conscience here.

7. Daily Rosary
Again, this seems obvious, but reciting the Daily Rosary has many spiritual benefits.

photo copyright Ellen Hrkach

8. DeCluttering
(I know this makes eight, but I can’t stop at seven!)
This might seem an odd thing to do during Lent, but it’s actually something I’ve done for many years. North Americans hold onto too many material possessions. If you haven’t used something in over a year and it doesn’t have sentimental value, consider giving it away.