Lent Check-In

Lent Check-In

April 01, 2022
Author: Hannah DeVivo

Peace be with you!

This week, I would love to have a Lent check-in with you all. We find ourselves over half-way through the Lenten season, and I have a few questions for you.

How is your Lent going?

Has it been more/less difficult than you anticipated?

Have you slipped in any of your Lenten resolve?

I would like to begin by encouraging you. The changes that we plan in our lives to help us grow closer to God are not always easy to implement and even harder to maintain. God is pleased by our efforts and our desire to continue returning to Him.

Saint Paul reminds us, "So it depends not upon a person's will or exertion, but upon God, who shows mercy" (Romans 9:16).

Here are some helpful steps when you find yourself slipping:

  1. Acknowledge where you're at. See yourself for where you are, even if you know it's not quite where you want to be. Forgive yourself. Going to Mass or Adoration can help you to reconnect with our Lord. Spend some time with Scripture.


  2. If you have sinned, find a time to go to Confession. There is no sin or hurt too big for God. He makes all things new. "Come now, let us settle the matter," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool" (Isaiah 1:18).


  3. Once you are filled with God's love and forgiveness, you are in an excellent position to make a new plan and start again. This time, you may be better equipped to foresee any problems. Using your experience from the first time, you can notice your pitfalls and tweak your plan to set yourself up for success.


  4. Make sure that the goals you have set are aligned with your lifestyle and personality already. It's important to know yourself and fit in prayer time when you are naturally alert and awake. If you have added volunteering, make sure it fits with your current work and life schedule. It's extremely important to set things that are not going to be extremely difficult. Reasonable goals that fit in with your state of life are best for success!


  5. Find an accountability partner! If you don't already have one, seek out a friend or loved one who is willing to help you on your spiritual journey! In fact, The American Society of Training and Development (ASTD) did a study on accountability and found that you have a 65% of completing a goal if you commit to someone. If you have a specific accountability appointment with a person you've committed to, you will increase your chance of success by up to 95%! Another excellent accountability partner is a priest or a spiritual director! The enemy wants us to feel that we are alone in our pursuit to holiness. His job is easier when we are in a place of weakness.


  6. As you proceed with your updated resolutions, pay close attention to your thoughts. These are where your feelings stem from. The enemy is cunning and can prey upon your thoughts. Be steadfast in your prayers and honest with yourself. If something isn't working--don't give up! Keep on trying and tweaking until you know that you are on the successful path to achieving your intentions!


  7. It is important to remember that God is searching for you more than you are for Him. When the Pharisees accosted Jesus for eating with sinners, He replied, "Those who are well don't need a doctor, but the sick do. Go and learn what this means: I desire mercy and not sacrifice. For I didn't come to call the righteous, but sinners" (Matthew 9:12-13). So be of good cheer! God is with you!

Beautiful Sunset Meadow

I hope these steps and tips will help you as you continue this journey in your Lenten season. Please remember above all else how much God loves you and how precious you are to Him! Click here to view our "Trust in Him" collection for products that will remind you He is always there.

Before You Go

Do you have any changes to make to your Lenten resolve?

Do you have an accountability partner?

Have you learned anything new in this article?

I would LOVE to hear from you. Send me an email to Catholic-Living@Autom.com
I wish you all a beautiful and penitential Lent! May you feel God's presence more intimately than ever before and follow Him more trustingly. Be sure to follow and subscribe to the links below for more tips and information.