A great many Christians enter Lent with the firm intention of praying
in a more committed way and a conviction that prayer will open a path for them toward new life and hope.
Lent is a kind of a spiritual do-over, and Ash Wednesday — the starting line of Lent — is when the work begins.
How can parishes hold on to these Ash Wednesday Catholics? Give them opportunities to practice their Lenten call to prayer, fasting and almsgiving throughout the year.