Lent has been observed by Christians since the 4th Century. It is a time of reflection, penitence, and spiritual renewal before Easter. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026, and ends on Thursday, April 2 as we celebrate the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, remembering Jesus’s final meal with his disciples in which he institutes the Eucharist.
During this reflective time, consider how God is calling you to be this Lent. To deepen your faith and grow closer to God. Contact the Church office for information on Lent Resources.
How to Observe Lent
During Lent, some Christians focus on giving up something. Is it necessary for the observation of Lent to give up a delicacy or a bad habit during in the Lenten period? That should be a matter between a Christian and God. Some may decide to do something extra for their spiritual hindrance to the Spirit. Some may make a special sacrifice of some sort. And some may decide to improve their communication and fellowship with God by having special times of prayer throughout the day, or vow to worship in the church at every service held.
The important thing is to make Lent a special time, a memorable time. A time so meaningful that it sets the tone for the rest of the entire year. At the very least it should be a time of sincere spiritual growth.
The Vatican released Pope Leo XIV’s message for Lent, Titled, “Listening and Fasting: Lent as a Time of Conversion.” The Pope’s message asked Catholics to come together as a community to listen to the word of God and to the vulnerable.
“Let us begin by disarming our language, avoiding harsh words and rash judgment, refraining from slander and speaking ill of those who are not present and cannot defend themselves.” -Pope Leo XIV
The pope’s full message can be found in English and in Spanish.
Lent Fasting & Abstinence Guidelines
Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59 are to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. In addition, all Catholics 14 years old and older abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and all the Fridays of Lent. If you are looking for more information about fasting and abstinence during Lent, check out our post on this topic.
RECONCILIATION
Lent is a great time to Rediscover the sacrament of reconciliation
During Lent, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is available in the church on Saturdays 9 AM-10 AM or by appointment. Local Penance Services will be the week of March 23.
ALMSGIVING OPPORTUNITIES
During Lent, we are asked to focus more intently on “almsgiving,” which means donating money or goods to the poor and performing other acts of charity. Here are some suggested opportunities:
FRANCISCANS: Support our friars’ needs, student education friars, and care of elderly. https://franciscanfriars.org
TOGETHER IN MISSION: Support our underserved parishes and schools in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. togetherinmission.org
Opportunities & Resources to help deepen your faith and grow closer to God
Adoration & Stations of the Cross
Join us on Fridays during Lent in the Church for Adoration at 7 PM and Stations of the Cross at 7:30 PM
Please note: There will not be Stations of the Cross on Friday, Feb 27, 7 PM. Our Lenten Devotion will resume on March 6 with Adoration at 7 PM and Stations of the Cross at 7:30 PM.
Join a Faith Series
This Lent, the Women’s Group, Men’s Group, and Young Adults Group are each offering a Lenten Faith Series. For more information, click on the group’s name or call the Church Office.
Lent Faith Series on Formed
*All who come to our church are welcome to join Formed!
Sign up for your free account https://ourladyofguadalupechurch.org/join-formed-org/
Made for Heaven – Lent with Fr. Agustino Torres, CFR: Go on a journey into the wilderness this Lent to become holy—because we are made for heaven. https://app.formed.org/app/collections/984310
Living Lent as a Family (4-part series): Have you ever wanted to live more liturgically but not known how? Formed.org offers a series to help families during Lent. We pray that these discussions bless you and your family. Available to you free* on https://watch.formed.org/videos/formed-now-living-lent-as-a-family-part-1-of-
Forgiven: The Transforming Power of Confession: This video series explores the grace and healing offered in Confession and shows how this sacrament of mercy reveals the depth and bounty of God’s love. By looking at God’s revelation of his mercy in Scripture and making a step-by-step examination of the Rite itself, Forgiven communicates God’s invitation to come and experience his indescribable love in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Available to you free fomed https://watch.formed.org/forgiven. (Also available in Spanish: https://watch.formed.org/perdonado)
LENT 2026 | Reflect. Repent. Restore:
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) offers many resources and prayers to help you Reflect. Repent. Restore this Lent. https://www.usccb.org/prayer-worship/liturgical-year/lent
USSCB Lent Calendars: Daily inspiration for your Lenten journey.
2026 Daily Lent Calendar English – downloadable
2026 Daily Lent Calendar Spanish – downloadable