Lent, beginning on March 5, is a time of grace, renewal and conversion; a time when we are called by the Gospel to the penitential practices of prayer, reconciliation and almsgiving. During this season, we are called by the Church to fasting and abstinence; worship, and works of mercy. Throughout the season of Lent, which lasts approximately 40 days, all of these actions prepare us for the celebration of Holy Week and Easter during which we recall Christ’s passion, death and resurrection.
Invite a friend, family member, or coworker back to Mass this Lenten season! Visit our Together Is Where We Belong: Come Home to Mass page for more information and resources.
Find a church near you by using our searchable Parish List.
Across the Diocese:
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday Mass Times 2025
Our observance of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, March 5. While not a holy day of obligation, Ash Wednesday Mass is a beautiful way to begin the season.
Fasting and Abstinence during Lent
During Lent, Catholics in the United States abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and on all the Fridays of Lent. In addition, we fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Click the links below for details:
Guidelines for fasting and abstinence (English | Español)
Fish Fry and Lenten Meal Guide
Participating locations, dates, and times
Click the link above to visit our guide with a list of fish fries and Lenten meals offered around the diocese. If your parish, school, or Knights of Columbus fish fry or soup supper isn’t listed, please email alauymeyer@grdiocese.org or awillison@grdiocese.org.
The Light Is On For You: An Evening of Penance (in most churches) – Thursday, April 3, 5-8 p.m.
List of participating parishes
Rediscover God’s grace and merciful love through the sacrament of reconciliation. The season of Lent by its penitential nature is an opportune time for anyone seeking forgiveness to restore and renew their relationship with Jesus through the sacrament of penance. In addition to the evening of penance on April 3, confession is available year-round in our churches.
Eucharistic Adoration
Adoration schedules in our parishes
Stations of the Cross and Additional Prayer Opportunities
List of participating parishes
Lenten/winter enrichment and activities at the:
Catholic Information Center | Franciscan Life Process Center | Lakeshore Academy for the New Evangelization | Saint Benedict Institute | Other events around the diocese
Cathedral of Saint Andrew:
Watch Mass LIVE weekly: Sunday 10 a.m. & Noon in Spanish
On TV on WXMI Fox17 (10 a.m. only), on YouTube or on our website.
Sign up to receive Ecumenical Lenten Reflections from the Cathedral parish by texting LENTREFLECT to 84576; also available daily beginning on Ash Wednesday on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CathedralofSaintAndrew
The Catholic Information Center is offering a Lenten Retreat – Talking Back to the Devil: Using Ignatian and Monastic Spirituality to discern and contend with the Enemy on March 15.
View the Holy Week schedule at the Cathedral here.
From the Vatican:
Read Pope Francis’ message for Lent 2025 (English and Español)
Vatican Holy Week 2025 Schedule
CRS Rice Bowl:
Through CRS Rice Bowl, we share the journey with members of our human family around the world, and commit our Lenten prayers, fasting and almsgiving to deepening our faith and serving those in need. Pick up a rice bowl in church, or order for free online, and share what you’ve been given with those in need through CRS Rice Bowl.
Read Bishop Walkowiak’s letter to parishioners (English | Español)
Additional Rice Bowl Resources
Download the app! | Daily reflections | Family activities | Lenten Recipes | Daily calendar of Lenten activities
Additional Resources for Lent:
Praying through Lent
Scriptural Stations of the Cross – (English | Español)
Five Bible verses for Lent (Catholic Digest)
Get the daily readings sent to your email each morning. – ¡Ore con la Palabra de Dios en esta Cuaresma! Reciba las lecturas diarias enviadas a su correo electrónico cada mañana:
Sign up for your free subscription from the USCCB – Regístrese aquí para su suscripción gratuita de USCCB.
USCCB Daily Lent Calendar (English | Español)
The National Catholic Partnership on Disability has produced Adapted Faith Formation Activities for use at home or in a parish setting during Lent. Click here for resources | Stations of the Cross video production (Diocese of Madison’s Apostolate for Person’s with Disabilities)
Lenten resources from:
Creighton Online Ministries | Dynamic Catholic | Loyola Press | Hallow
