February 18, 2026 7:30 am Mass 12:15 pm Mass 5:30 pm Liturgy of the Word with Distribution of Ashes 7:30 pm Mass
what are you doing for lent this year?
When you close your eyes and say “Lent”, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Some answers may be: penance, fish, ashes, purple, fasting, sacrifice, giving up something (like candy, sweets, or movies).
Why do we do the things we do in Lent? Is it because “that’s what I’ve always done”? Is it effective in helping you grow closer to God? Perhaps it’s good to take a look at various practices and see if one might offer a new challenge and help you grow in the Lord. Here are some suggestions you may want to try this year:
Attend daily Mass or read the day’s Scripture. The Catholic Center has a 12:15 PM daily Mass, and St. Peter’s has a 7:30 AM daily Mass. Going to daily Mass has many benefits; not only God’s saving presence in the Eucharist, but also one’s increased awareness of progressing through Lent as one listens to daily Scripture readings and homilies.
Reading Scripture. If you can’t get to daily Mass as often as you’d like, just spend some time every day (even it’s only a few minutes) reading Scripture and reflecting on it. Or do other spiritual reading. “The Word Among Us,” Lent Edition is free at both the Catholic Center and St. Peter’s Church.
Examine your conscience nightly. This is a healthy way to take stock of our lives. Rather than being overly hard and nitpicking on yourself, take this time to review your spiritual journey, both sins and successes. Check out the Examen Prayer online.
Visit church. A quiet church (or perhaps our chapel) can be an oasis on a busy day. Stop in for a moment of prayer or reading, or even a longer stay in the presence of God. You can attend Eucharistic Adoration, which we offer every Thursday in our CC chapel. Spend some quiet time with Our Lord.
Attend or pray the Stations of the Cross. This private or communal ritual honors the passion and death of Christ. St. Peter’s Church offers Stations of the Cross every Friday evening in Lent, at 7:00 pm.
Give up things. Lent is an especially fitting time to cut back on life’s extras. Remember, the purpose of Lent is not solely to give up things; it is to turn our lives from what does not really satisfy and to fill ourselves with God’s life. Perhaps the best fast is balanced with almsgiving. If you choose to give up a small luxury, take the money you would have spent, and give it to charity. Or perhaps you can give up things like impatience, gossip, using bad language, etc.
Receive Sacramental Penance. Call it Confession, Reconciliation or Penance, but put this sacrament on the “must” list. One of the great things about being a Catholic is that we can admit our guilt and struggles to a priest and experience God’s forgiveness. Those who haven’t gone to Confession in a long time might feel apprehensive, but they may also be surprised at how helpful most priests are when you speak honestly with them, and how rewarding the sacrament is.
Volunteer at a local charity. Whether it be a soup kitchen, visiting a nursing home, a hospital or community program, you will likely receive more benefits from volunteering than you expect.
Check the Catholic Student Assoc on Facebook or Rutgers Catholic on Instagram.
We wish you a holy and grace-filled Lent that brings you closer to Our Lord.