Making the most of Lent

This Lent, what if our fasting became a way of making room for hope? Instead of simply giving something up, we’re invited to transform our forty days into a season of intentional renewal – releasing what diminishes us and embracing practices that connect us more deeply with God, and with those on the margins.

These alternative Lenten ideas offer practical ways to let go of habits that disconnect us from others, to give generously through Missio’s mission work and to grow in prayer that sends us outward in love. Whether you’re putting aside gossip, supporting seminarians overseas or praying the Mission Rosary, each practice asks the same question: How can my words, my giving and my prayer help bring hope to the world and make Christ known?

Giving up

Make your Lenten abstinence a way of creating space for hope by giving up…

  • Gossip & unkind speech
    Give up words that wound, exclude or belittle. This Lent, choose language that builds others up – especially when they’re not present.
  • Negativity & cynicism or ‘doom-scrolling’
    Give up habitual complaining or despairing talk about the world or the Church. Ask instead: Where is God already at work here? How can I bring hope?
  • Mindless scrolling & noise
    Give up scrolling without purpose. Let silence return – even briefly – so God’s voice and the needs of others can be heard.
  • Speaking without listening
    Give up the need to have the last word. Practise attentive listening, especially to those whose experiences are often overlooked.
  • Indifference or feeling overwhelmed in the face of injustice
    Give up the temptation to look away from suffering or marginalisation. Stay present, informed and prayerfully engaged.

Giving

Sow good words and real hope by giving…

  • Support for the Red Box
    Make the Red Box a focus this Lent – perhaps placing in it the money saved from giving up your treats or habits. You’ll be astounded by how much a little bit of loose change can raise! If you don’t have a Red Box, you can donate here>>
  • Your time: volunteer with Missio
    Give your time as a Red Box Local Secretary or appealer, helping connect parishes and communities with the global mission of the Church. Click here to find out how to get involved>>
  • A platform: amplify marginalised voices; speak words of hope
    In response to Pope Leo’s call, ask God to help you become a ‘sower of good words’ – someone whose speech brings encouragement, truth and peace. Use your social media to share stories of hope and inspiration – perhaps to celebrate missionaries and the communities they support.
  • Support to the future of our Church
    Sponsor a seminarian or contribute to the formation of priests, religious and lay catechists serving some of the world’s poorest communities. Could you start a parish sponsorship group this Lent? Find out more here>>
  • Your presence, not just money
    Visit someone who is lonely; accompany a refugee family or offer consistent support to someone who feels unseen.

Praying

    • Pray the Mission Rosary each week
      Unite your prayer with Catholics around the world, reflecting on the needs of different continents and peoples. Join us each Monday for our prayer focuses by following the Mission Rosary tag online: #WeeklyMissionRosary
    • Walk the Stations of the Cross
      Use Missio’s Stations of the Cross, connecting Christ’s suffering with the pain and hope of today’s world. Please hold all who are suffering in prayer and ask Jesus to be near to them. Find our Stations of the Cross here>>
    • Daily prayer for mission
      Pray intentionally each day for missionaries, local Churches and communities facing poverty, persecution or isolation.

    • Scripture as a ‘call to action’
      Return to the Word this Lent: read a short Gospel passage daily and ask How does this send me out to others today? Find the Sunday Gospels here>>
    • Read to nurture the soul: 
      In this Year of Reading, consider expanding your spiritual and prayer life and coming closer to God through literature. Use our reading list and tips to read more for inspiration. Find it here>>

A Lenten question to carry

How can my words, my giving and my prayer help bring hope to the world and make Christ known?

Tags: Lent · prayer