**Today (2/20) is Fat Tuesday, tomorrow is Ash Wednesday. I have changed the "theme" colors of my blog for Lent. If you haven't made plans for Lent yet and you are a Roman Catholic, now is the time! This post, and my "More Lent resources" post have links to some of the resources I will be using throughout the season.
Lent begins next Wednesday (February 21), and it's time to start making preparations. I haven't decided for sure how I will spend my Lent (what my penance will be), but I am pretty sure I'm going to spend more time reading and less time on the computer and watching TV. I especially want to make a good Lent this year, because this is probably my last Lent before I enter religious life (more on this later). Here are some books and resources I plan on using:
The Bible - RSV or NAB.
The Magnificat Lenten Companion and Magazine
The Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis
When Did We See You, Lord by Fr. Benedict Groeschel C.F.R and Bishop Robert J. Baker
Heaven: Obstacles and Opportunities Audio Set by Fr. Vincent Serpa
Lent and Easter Wisdom from John Paul II (Catholic Answers is running a special on this book and Fr. Vincent's CDs here)
Catholic Culture's Lent Pages (check out the "Personal Program" section for help in deciding how to spend this Lent).
Stations of the Cross: There are several available online. EWTN has some good ones in their Document Library, including those of Cardinal Newman and John Paul II. Also check out Catholic Culture's (Designed to be viewed online).
Confession: I use Fr. Richard Rego's Contemporary Adult Guide to Conscience as well as this web page to help examine my conscience.
The Rosary: There are many good books and CDs out there, I use The Scriptural Rosary and Praying the Rosary with St. Therese of Lisieux.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: http://www.therealpresence.org/index.html
Check http://www.masstimes.org for times for confession, mass, and adoration in your area.
Prayers for everyone who visits this web page - I won't be posting very often or spending as much time on the computer or watching TV during Lent. Hopefully this will make more time for spiritual reading and prayer.