Official Website of the
Catholic Diocese of Little Rock
What is the season of Lent?
Lent is a 40-day, penitential season in preparation for Easter. It begins on Ash Wednesday and ends with the Paschal Triduum. We observe it with prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
"This Lent, God is asking us to examine whether ... we are capable of walking together with others, listening to them, resisting the temptation to become self-absorbed and to think only of our own needs," wrote Pope Francis in his 2025 Lenten Message.
"Am I convinced that the Lord forgives my sins? Or do I act as if I can save myself? Do I long for salvation and call upon God’s help to attain it? Do I concretely experience the hope that enables me to interpret the events of history and inspires in me a commitment to justice and fraternity, to care for our common home and in such a way that no one feels excluded?" he challenged readers to ask themselves.
Virtual Way of the Cross in Arkansas
Lent Resources 2025
Pray Unceasingly
Add eucharistic adoration, a virtual Way of the Cross, Bible study, the Prayer Book of Intentions or other traditional Catholic prayers to your time with God during Lent.
Fast for Love
While Moses (Exodus 34:28) fasted to prepare for God's revelation, Jesus took it a step further by doing the practice out of love.
Give Alms
Share what you have through CASA, One Church, special collections or CRS Rice Bowl to help those in need in Arkansas and beyond.
Lenten Guidelines
What are the rules about fasting and abstinence? Why should we perform penance? Why can't we eat meat on Fridays? Learn the answers to these questions and more.
Parish Activities
Parishes normally host stations, fish fries, soup suppers, missions, Bible studies and more, but the pandemic may require changes. Contact your parish for details.
Lenten Recipes
Sample these meatless recipes from Arkansas Catholic readers divided into main dishes, casseroles, soups and side dishes. Are you hungry yet?
Youth Resources
These activities incorporate prayer, fasting and almsgiving specific to children, teens and young adults to help them experience Lent in a deeper way.
Love Your Neighbor
Giving up chocolate is nice, but taking up service adds a whole new dimension to Lent. Explore 25 ways to help others in the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.
Reconcile with God
"Even now, says the Lord, return to me with your whole heart ..." (Joel 2:12). Reconciling with God and his Church is the function of the sacrament of reconciliation.
