Some Ideas for Lent 2021...

So after what was dubbed "The Lentiest of Lents", it's like Groundhog Day and 2021 is going to be more challenging than we had hoped.
So, we're going to put it out there... Lent is a beautiful time, but can feel overwhelming...
and this year there is definitely potential for that!
So please, don't feel pressure to do something 'big' for Lent. Anyways, it's not a time to fall into pride about what you're giving up - Matthew 6:6 says something about this: "But when you pray, go to your private room, shut yourself in, and so pray to your Father who is in that secret place, and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you." 
Lent is also not about 40 days of being grumpy, again let's turn to Matthew chapter 6, verse 16:  "When you are fasting, do not put on a gloomy look as the hypocrites do: they go about looking unsightly to let people know they are fasting. In truth I tell you, they have had their reward." 
The central point and reason for Lent is a time to re-orientate, to strip away some of the 'noise' (read: distractions... i.e. social media) and focus on our relationship with God. It doesn't need to be a huge gesture, especially in these days when we are fasting from so many things.
So we offer some options: some things you could give up; and some things you could take up.
Check out our ideas below and some of the content linked at the bottom of the page!!

​What can you give up?

• Social Media, take the 40 days off or limit your time scrolling on Insta
• Words hurt, we should always be mindful of what we say to and about others. Let's make an extra effort for Lent
• Give up the snooze button... what a lesson in personal discipline​

• Bottled water creates unnecessary waste... invest in a reusable water bottle
• ​Avoiding your emotions
• Beating yourself up if your day doesn't go as planned

What can you take up?

• Pick up your Rosary beads... if you don't have any, buy some. Even if you don't have any you can still pray the Rosary (10 fingers, right?) Find the prayers here
• God speaks to us in the quiet of our hearts. Be silent and listen to what He has to say

• Instead of watching TikTok videos or Reels on Insta, dive into a good book!
  
• At the minute, we can't even 'GO' to Mass on Sunday, but we can join in with our Parish community online. Why not tune in to your Church's webcam on a weekday for Mass?
• Lots of great podcasts out there... Fr. Mike Schmitz... Sunday, Sunday, Sunday... Catholic Stuff You Should Know

Check out all these links to more great ideas and content to check out for Lent:
FOCUS - Pope Francis' 10 Tips for Lent
Busted Halo - Fast.Pray.Give Calendar
Busted Halo - 25 Great Things You Can Do for Lent (besides giving up chocolate)
Lifeteen - What to Give Up for Lent: 25 Creative Ideas
Lifeteen - 102 Things You Should Really Give Up For Lent
Lifeteen - Into the Desert: How to Live Your Lent with Purpose