Prayer

Prayer is an essential component of growth in our relationship with God. Prayer is our communication with God—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is a relationship of both listening and speaking. Lent is an excellent time to start incorporating prayer into our daily life. If prayer is already a consistent habit, try adding something such as attending daily Mass, praying a whole rosary or chaplet every day, or spending an extended period of time in silent contemplation.

Fasting

During Lent, Jesus calls us to resist earthly temptations and, instead, seek the spiritual food provided by God and live by it. Fasting and abstinence from meat help us toward that end. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal. Fasting (age 18-59) and abstinence (age 14+) exclusions include the physically or mentally ill, including chronic illnesses such as diabetes, as well as pregnant or nursing women.

Giving

The Lenten call to almsgiving means making the needs of other people our own.

Sharing our gifts with others, donating to a charitable organization, or sharing our time and talents with those in need is a Christ-like way of sharing God's love. 

Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2025 -- all in Hampstead

Masses at 9AM and 7PM; 12 noon service with ashes (not a Mass)

Ash Wednesday is a day of penitential prayer and fasting. While Ash Wednesday is not a holy day of obligation, some faithful do take the rest of the day off work and remain home. It is usually inappropriate to dine out, shop, or take part in festivities after receiving ashes. 

The priest administers ashes during Mass and all are invited to accept the ashes as a visible symbol of penance. Even non-Christians are welcome to receive the ashes. The ashes are made from blessed palm branches, from the previous year's Palm Sunday (Bring yours by Sunday, February 4.) Symbolizing penance and contrition, the ashes are also a reminder that God is gracious and merciful to those who call on Him with repentant hearts.

2025 Lenten Communal Penance Services

March 4 at 11AM St. Brendan the Navigator, Shallotte

March 11 7PM St. Therese, Wrightsville Beach

March 12 at 7PM All Saints, Hampstead

March 13 at 11AM St. Mark, Wilmington (in Spanish)

Mar.18 7PM St. Stanislaus, Castle Hayne

Mar.19 7PM St. Joseph the Worker, Burgaw

March 20 at 7PM UNCW, Wilmington

Mar.25 11AM Basilica of St. Mary, Wilmington

Mar.25 7PM Immaculate Conception, Wilmington

Mar.26 11AM Sacred Heart, Southport

March 27 at 7PM St. Mark, Wilmington

April 1 at 7PM Basilica of St. Mary, Wilmington

April 3 at 11AM St. Mark, Wilmington

Stations of the Cross

Fridays at 6:30PM

Led by different ministries each week with varying reflections:

7-Mar Stewardship/Outreach/Prayer Groups/Bibles Studies (KofC fish fry)

14-Mar Faith Formation (soup dinner to follow)

21-Mar Catholic Daughters

28-Mar Knights of Columbus 

4-Apr Liturgical Ministries/Arts and Environment (KofC fish fry)

11-Apr Hospitality/Building/Grounds/Pastoral & Finance Councils/Staff

What is Lent all about?

Why do Christians receive ashes on Ash Wednesday? Why 40 days? 

Busted Halo explains the significance of this season of prayer, fasting, and giving, and how you can make the most of this time of repentance and renewal. 

Lenten Pillar of Fasting --

During Lent, Jesus calls us to resist earthly temptations and, instead, seek the spiritual food provided by God and live by it. Fasting and abstinence from meat help us toward that end. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal. Fasting (age 18-59) and abstinence (age 14+) exclusions include the physically or mentally ill, including chronic illnesses such as diabetes, as well as pregnant or nursing women. 



More about Fasting from USCCB

What should I give up for Lent?

...or What should I add?

During Lent, many Catholics such as this Franciscan friar, abstain from meat and fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. In today's world, it is often about giving up chocolate, soda, or something similar.

When you give something up, you're able to add another thing in:

• Add another half hour of Scripture reading (give up some Netflix time)
• Add another half hour of silence (keep the radio off in the car)

Even moments of fun and relaxation with loved ones can be great Lenten practices, even penitential, when relationships aren't quite what you'd like them to be and you commit to add time to work on that.

Perhaps the Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi will inspire you.