Eight Ways to Grow Closer to God This Lent

Susan Ciancio describes eight ways you and your family can make this a truly meaningful Lent. 

Lent is almost here! We now have an amazing opportunity to spend the next several weeks building our faith, growing closer to God, and shining the light of Christ to others. 

Some years it feels like we run out of ideas for Lent. We spend days beforehand wondering what to do or how to spend our time. Traditionally, people give up certain things for Lent. Sacrifice is great! But we must do more. When we do more — for ourselves and others — we strengthen our faith. And when we strengthen our own faith, we not only build a stronger relationship between us and God, but we build a culture of life here on earth. 

So, this year, let’s get excited, and “Lent’s” do better! Below are eight unique ways to fill the days of Lent, and whether you do one or all of these things, you are sure to find that you have grown as a person and as a Catholic come the day of Christ’s Resurrection. 

Read the Gospel

Every day as a family, maybe after dinner or before bed, read the day’s Gospel reading, then discuss. It will just take a few minutes, but it will help focus your mindset on Christ. 

Create 40 Days of Thankfulness 

Even during difficult times, we all have so much to be thankful for. Sometimes we forget how much we have. That's why it is vital to reflect on our blessings. Buy a journal, or just grab an extra notebook that you have lying around, and place it where everyone in the family can access it. Every day of Lent, write several things that you are thankful for, even if they are small things. Read through it every few days with your family. You will be amazed at how many wonderful things happen to you each and every moment. 

Create a Family Lent Calendar

Create a calendar listing all the days of Lent and simple suggestions for each day about how each of your family members can grow closer to God. Suggestions could include sacrifices, kind deeds for others, readings about saints or from the Bible, or more. How you format your calendar is up to your creative spirit and can be a fun activity in itself! 

Make a Virtual Visit to the Lenten Station Churches in Rome 

Mountain Butorac, The Catholic Traveler, lives in Rome and leads amazing tours, but he also does some virtually. Throughout Lent, you can follow along with Mountain as he takes you to each of the traditional Lenten Station Churches. This is a fantastic way to not only see some of the most beautiful churches in Rome but to increase your knowledge of theology and learn a little history as well.  

Listen to the Bible in a Year or Catechism in a Year podcasts 

Nothing brings us closer to God than listening to His word and learning about the Church He started. You don’t have to begin these podcasts, hosted by Father Mike Schmitz, on the traditional January 1 start date; you can press play anytime and go at your own pace. Episodes range from nine to about twenty-five minutes long, depending on which podcast you choose. 

Watch a Movie with a Pro-life Theme Each Weekend

As parents, we know that there are a lot of terrible movies out there. But there are also many awesome movies that show the beauty of life and that will spur great conversations. The Culture of Life Studies Program offers numerous movie suggestions—and even free discussion guides to help you process the film—on its site. So instead of watching The Avengers for the 15th time, try one of these suggestions! 

Teach your Children to Live the Corporal Works of Mercy

Make an impact on your community by choosing one of the Corporal Works of Mercy to perform each week together. Maybe it’s shopping for baby items for a pregnancy help center. Maybe it’s donating to a food pantry. Maybe it’s visiting a sick neighbor or taking a meal to someone in need. The possibilities are endless. As a family, discuss how these acts make others feel valued.  

Download a Lenten Reflection Booklet for the Entire Family

The Culture of Life Studies Program offers three downloadable reflection booklets that will help you and your family grow in faith this Lent. All are meant to be read aloud, and each will generate meaningful discussions.  

Lent is a beautiful time of year to grow closer to God and to reflect on His love, but it’s also the perfect time to shine that love to others. Take time this Lent to not only grow in faith but to truly make a difference in the world around you. 

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Copyright 2026 Susan Ciancio
Images: Canva