Various resources are available to help Catholics delve more deeply into the spirituality of Lent, including those listed below: Jubilee pilgrimage sites On Dec. 24, 2025, Pope Francis formally launched the Jubilee Year of Hope when he opened the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. This jubilee runs through Jan. 6, 2026, and is a time for renewal, reflection and spiritual growth, offering Catholics an opportunity to deepen their faith and experience God’s grace in profound ways. The Archdiocese of Chicago has identified 24 jubilee pilgrimage sites at local parishes for those who cannot travel to Rome to obtain a plenary indulgence. At these sites, the faithful experience and obtain the indulgence by spending time in prayer, adoration before the Blessed Sacrament or participating in the celebration of the Eucharist or reconciliation or other scheduled liturgies, as well as making a profession of faith and praying for the pope’s intentions. For a list of local pilgrimage sites, visit pvm.archchicago.org/jubilee-2025. Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl crsricebowl.org Now in its 50th year, CRS Rice Bowl is the Lenten program of Catholic Relief Services, the official relief and development agency of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Rooted in the history of the Eucharistic Congress, CRS Rice Bowl invites Catholics and faith communities in the United States to encounter God and our global family throughout Lent by practicing the pillars of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Lenten alms donated through CRS Rice Bowl support the work of CRS in more than 120 countries each year. Twenty-five percent of donations to CRS Rice Bowl stay in the local diocese, supporting hunger and poverty alleviation efforts. Since its inception in 1975, CRS Rice Bowl has raised more than $350 million. (See story, page 5.) 40 Days of Lent countdown calendar Digital download, $3.50, shorturl.at/LvAbA 40 Days of Lent Countdown Calendar is a downloadable and printable tool to guide your family or students through the season. This calendar features Lenten activities designed to make learning about the significance of this season fun and interactive for children. Each day offers a new way to participate with activities that focus on prayer, relationships, responsibilities, art, charity, nature and gratitude. Note: Etsy.com has other printable faith resources for families. Attend a parish mission Each Lent, parishes throughout the archdiocese hold special missions, or consecutive nights of reflection, that offer opportunities for people to deepen their relationship with Christ. Contact your parish, or a parish near you, to learn more about parish missions and check out Chicago Catholic’s Around the Archdiocese section for other Lenten events. Catholic Extension Society catholicextension.org Catholic Extension Society offers free Lenten reflections to help you deepen your faith, renew your spirit and come closer to Jesus. You can also listen to an audio recording of the prayers and see visuals of the Stations of the Cross from various churches in dioceses where Extension has operated. Archdiocese of Chicago The Archdiocese of Chicago creates videos and offers other resources to help local Catholics on their Lenten journey. Visit http://pvm.archchicago.org/events/lenten-resources.
Catholic Theological Union hosts novena for migrants, immigrants Nine bishops and archbishops from across the United States will lead prayers and reflections during a March 14-22 national novena for migrants and immigrants hosted by the Bernardin Center at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, including Cardinal Cupich on the final day.
Although pope is improving, he will not lead Ash Wednesday services While Pope Francis' condition has continued to improve, the Vatican announced that he will not lead his traditional Ash Wednesday services in Rome March 5.
Pope proposes Lenten resolution: Keep your eyes on Jesus This Lent, Christians should become “seekers of light” by keeping their sights set on the light of Jesus through prayer and participating in the sacraments, Pope Francis said.