Plan to celebrate a joyful lent

The challenge for Catholic households today is to discover a way to live a lent that is faithful to the intent of the Church. We have to create a plan for Lent that is not going to seem like drudgery. According to Pope John Paul II: "The whole period of Lent - since it is a preparation for Easter - is a systematic call to this joy that comes from the effort of patiently finding oneself again. Let no one be afraid to undertake this effort" (The Light of Christ, 1979)

Here are some ideas to get you started thinking of things to include on a list for celebrating a joyful Lent. These ideas all come from the Catechism of the Catholic Church (1436-1437).

1. Gestures of reconciliation
2. Concern for the poor
3. The exercise and defense of justice and right (see Amos 5:24; Isaiah 1:17)
4. The admission of faults to one's brothers and sisters
5. Fraternal correction
6. Revisions of life
7. Examination of conscience
8. Spiritual direction
9. Acceptance of suffering
10. Endurance of persecution for the sake of righteousness
11. Taking up one's cross each day and following Jesus
12. Reading scripture
13. Praying the Liturgy of the Hours
14. Praying the Lord's Prayer

This might be a list of activities to begin or increase during this Lent. A second list could be things to give up or fast from this Lent (time at the computer,  video games, television, shopping) to make time for things on the first list.

Find a creative way to track your progress. The easiest is to buy or make a daily calendar and write down each day what you did or what you fasted from. (Use different colored pens for more than one person.) Or you could create a "Journey to the Cross" poster (tinyurl.com/5sf6b3) and keep track on that. And for a high-tech tracking method, create a free acount at Joe's Goals (joesgoals.com).