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  • Lent

Lent Season — Weekdays

Lent

  • Days after Ash Wednesday
  • First Week of Lent
  • Second Week of Lent
  • Third Week of Lent
  • Fourth Week of Lent
  • Fifth Week of Lent
  • Holy Week
  • Sundays of Lent

Documentation

  • Season of Lent
  • Common Responsorial Psalms
  • Lent Gospel Acclamations
  • Cycle of Prayer
  • Directory on Popular Piety

Weekdays

  • Advent
  • Christmas
  • Lent
  • Easter
  • Ordinary Time I [Weeks 1–5]
  • Ordinary Time II [Weeks 6-10]
  • Ordinary Time III [Weeks 11–15]
  • Ordinary Time IV [Weeks 16–20]
  • Ordinary Time V [Weeks 21–25]
  • Ordinary Time VI [Weeks 26–30]
  • Ordinary Time VII [Weeks 31-34]

Proper of Saints

  • Proper of Saints: February
  • Proper of Saints: March
  • Proper of Saints: April
  • Solemnities
  • National Calendar for England
  • National Calendar for Wales

Ash Wednesday

  • Day of fasting and abstinence
  • The Blessing & Distribution of Ashes may be done outside Mass.
    In this case the Introductory Rites & Liturgy of the Word are celebrated.
  • Celebrating the Paschal Feasts
Colour
Purple
Mass
proper
No Penitential Rite
Gloria omitted
Creed omitted
Blessing & Distribution of Ashes after Homily
Preface of Lent IV
Office
MP: Wednesday Week IV or Friday Week III
EP: Wednesday Week IV
Year A, B, C
Reading 1 Joel 2: 12–18 Let your hearts be broken, not your garments torn.
Psalm Ps 50: 3-6. 12-14 17 r. 3 Have mercy on us, O Lord, for we have sinned.
Reading 2 2 Cor 5: 20-6:2 Be reconciled to God… now is the favourable time.
Gospel Acclamation Ps 50: 12, 14 A pure heart create for me, O God, and give me again the joy of your help.
Ps 94: 8 Harden not your hearts today, but listen to the voice of the Lord.
Gospel Matt 6:1-6. 16-18 Your Father, who sees all that is done in secret, will reward you.

Days after Ash Wednesday

Colour
Purple
Mass
Proper
Preface of Lent
Office
Psalter Week IV
Thursday
Reading 1 Deuteronomy 30:15–20 See, I set before you a blessing and a curse.
Psalm Ps 1:1-4.6 r. 39:5 Happy the man who has placed his trust in the lord.
Gospel Acclamation Ps 50: 12. 14 A pure heart create for me, O God
and give me again the joy of your help.
Mt 4:17 Repent, says the Lord,
for the kingdom is close at hand.
Gospel Luke 9:22–25 Anyone who loses his life for my sake, that man will save it.
Friday
Reading 1 Isaiah 58:1-9 Is not this the sort of fast that please me?
Psalm Ps 50:3-6. 18-19 r.19 A humbled, contrite heart, O God, you will not spurn.
Gospel Acclamation Ps 129:5. 7 My soul is waiting for the Lord, I count on his word,
because with the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption.
Amos 5:14 Seek good and not evil so that you may live,
and that the Lord God of hosts may really be with you.
Gospel Matthew 9:14-15 When the bridegroom is taken from them, then they will fast.
Saturday
Reading 1 Isaiah 58:9-14 Your light will rise on the darkness.
Psalm Ps 85:1-6 r.11 Show me, Lord, your way so that I may walk in your truth.
Gospel Acclamation Ps 94:8 Harden not your hearts today,
but listen to the voice of the Lord.
Ez 33:11 I take pleasure, not in the death of a wicked man—it is the Lord who speaks—
but in the turning back of a wicked man who changes his ways to win life.
Gospel Luke 5:27-32 I have not come to call the virtuous, but sinners to repentance.

First Week of Lent

Colour
Purple
Mass
Proper
Preface of Lent
Office
Psalter Week I
Monday
Reading 1 Leviticus 19:1-2. 11-18 You must not pass judgement on your neighbour according to justice.
Psalm Ps 18:8-10, 15 r. Jn 6:64 Your words are spirit, Lord, and they are life.
Gospel Acclamation Ez 18:31 Shake off all your sins — it is the Lord who speaks —
and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit.
2 Cor 6:2 Now is the favourable time;
this is the day of salvation.
Gospel Matthew 25:31-46 In so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of mine you did it to me.
Tuesday
Reading 1 Isaiah 55:10-11 My word shall succeed in what it was sent to do.
Psalm Ps 33:4-7. 16-19 r.18 The Lord rescues the just in all their distress.
Gospel Acclamation Mt 4:4 Man does not live on bread alone
but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.
Gospel Matthew 6:7-15 You should pray like this.
Wednesday
Reading 1 Jonah 3:1-10 The people of Nineveh renounced their evil behaviour.
Psalm Ps 50:3-4. 12-13. 18-19 r. 19 A humbled, contrite heart, O God, you will not spurn.
Gospel Acclamation Ez 33:11 I take pleasure, not in the death of a wicked man—it is the Lord who speaks—
but in the turning back of a wicked man who changes his ways to win life.
Joel 2:12-13 Now, now — it is the Lord who speaks —
come back to me with all your heart,
for I am all tenderness and compassion.
Gospel Luke 11:29-32 The only sign given to this generation is the sign of Jonah.
Thursday
Reading 1 Esther 4:17 I have no helper but you, Lord.
Psalm Ps 137:1-3. 7-8 r.3 On the day I called, you answered me, O Lord.
Gospel Acclamation Joel 2:12-13 Now, now — it is the Lord who speaks —
come back to me with all your heart,
for I am all tenderness and compassion.
Ps 50:12, 14 A pure heart create for me, O God,
and give me again the joy of your help.
Gospel Matthew 7:7-12 The one who asks always receives.
Friday
Reading 1 Ezekiel 18:21-28 Am I likely to take pleasure in the death of a wicked man and not prefer to see him renounce his wickedness and live.
Psalm Ps 129 r.3 If you, O Lord, should mark our guilt,
Lord, who would survive.
Gospel Acclamation Amos 5:14 Seek good and not evil so that you may live,
and that the Lord God of hosts may really be with you.
Ez 18:31 Shake off all your sins — it is the Lord who speaks —
and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit.
Gospel Matthew 5:20-26 Go and be reconciled with your brother first.
Saturday
Reading 1 Deuteronomy 26:16-19 You will be a people consecrated to the Lord God.
Psalm Ps 118:1-2. 4-5. 7-8 r.1 They are happy who follow God's law!
Gospel Acclamation Lk 8:15 Blessed are those who, with a noble and generous heart,
take the word of God to themselves
and yield a harvest through their perseverance.
2 Cor 6:2 Now is the favourable time;
this is the day of salvation.
Gospel Matthew 5:43-48 Be perfect as you heavenly Father is perfect.

Second Week of Lent

Colour
Purple
Mass
Proper
Preface of Lent
Office
Psalter Week II
Monday
Reading 1 Daniel 9:4-10 We have sinned, we have done wrong.
Psalm Ps 78:8-9. 11. 13 r.102:10 Do not treat us according to our sins, O Lord.
Gospel Acclamation The seed is the word of God, Christ the sower,
Whoever finds this seed will remain for ever.
Jn 6:63.68 Your words are spirit, Lord and they are life;
you have the message of eternal life.
Gospel Luke 6:36-38 Grant, pardon and you will be pardoned.
Tuesday
Reading 1 Isaiah 1:10. 16-20 Learn to do good, search for justice.
Psalm Ps 49:8-9, 16-17. 21. 23 r.23 I will show God's salvation to the upright.
Gospel Acclamation Mt 4:17 Repent, says the Lord,
for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.
Ez 18:31 Shake off all your sins — it is the Lord who speaks —
and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit.
Gospel Matthew 23:1-12 They do not practice what they preach.
Wednesday
Reading 1 Jeremiah 18:18-20 Come on, let us hit at him.
Psalm Ps 30:5-6. 14-18 r.17 Save me in your love, O Lord.
Gospel Acclamation Jn 6:63.68 Your words are spirit, Lord and they are life;
you have the message of eternal life.
Jn 8:12 I am the light of the world, says the Lord;
anyone who follows me will have the light of life.
Gospel Matthew 20:17-28 They will condemn him to death.
Thursday
Reading 1 Jeremiah 17:5-10 A curse on the man who puts his trust in man, a blessing on the man who puts his trust in the Lord.
Psalm Ps 1:1-4. 6. r. 39:5 Happy the man who has placed his trust in the Lord.
Gospel Acclamation Lk 15:18 I will leave this place and got to my father and say:
'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.'
Lk 8:15 Blessed are those who, with a noble and generous heart,
take the word of God to themselves
and yield a harvest through their perseverance.
Gospel Luke 16:19-31 Good things came your way, just as bad things came the way of Lazarus. Now he is being comforted here while you are in agony.
Friday
Reading 1 Genesis 37:3-4. 12-13. 17-28 Here comes the man of dreams. Come on, let us kill him.
Psalm Ps 104:16-21 r.5 Remember the wonders the Lord has done.
Gospel Acclamation Jn 3:16 God so loved the world so much that he gave his only Son;
everyone who believes in him has eternal life.
Gospel Matthew 21:33-43. 45-46 This is the heir. Come on, let us kill him.
Saturday
Reading 1 Micah 7:14-15. 18-20 Tread down your faults to the bottom of the sea.
Psalm Ps 102: 1-4. 9-12 r.8 The Lord is compassion and love.
Gospel Acclamation Lk 15:18 I will leave this place and got to my father and say:
'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.'
Gospel Luke 15:1-3. 11-32 Your brother here was dead and has come to life.

Third Week of Lent

  • The first set of readings (Any Day) may be used instead of the proper text any day this week especially in Years B and C when the Gospel of the Samaritan Woman is not read on the Third Sunday of Lent.
  • Preface of Third Sunday of Lent is used with these readings
Colour
Purple
Mass
Proper
Preface of Lent
Office
Psalter Week III
Any Day [see note in side panel]
Reading 1 Exodus 17:1-7 Water will flow from it for the people to drink.
Psalm Ps 94:1-2. 6-9 r.8 O that today you would listen to his voice:
'Harden not your hearts.'
Gospel Acclamation Ps 94:8 Harden not your hearts today
but listen to the voice of the Lord.
Jn 4:42.15 Lord, you are really the saviour of the world;
give me the living water, so that I may never get thirsty.
Gospel John 4:5-42 A spring of water, welling up to eternal life.
Monday
Reading 1 2 Kings 5:1-15 There were many lepers in Israel, but none of these was cured, except the Syrian, Naaman.
Psalm Ps 41:2-3; 42:3-4 r.41:3 My soul is thirsting for God, the God of my life;
when can I enter and see the face of God?
Gospel Acclamation 2 Cor 6:2 Now is the favourable time;
this is the day of salvation.
Ps 129:5. 7 My soul is waiting for the Lord, I count on his word,
because with the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption.
Gospel Luke 4:24-30 Like Elijah and Elisha, Jesus is not sent to the Jews only.
Tuesday
Reading 1 Daniel 3:25. 34-43 May the contrite soul, the humbled spirit be acceptable to you.
Psalm Ps 24:4-9 r.6 Remember your mercy, Lord
Gospel Acclamation Lk 8:15 Blessed are those who, with a noble and generous heart,
take the word of God to themselves
and yield a harvest through their perseverance.
Joel 2:12-13 Now, now — it is the Lord who speaks —
come back to me with all your heart,
for I am all tenderness and compassion.
Gospel Matthew 18:21-35 Your Father will not forgive you unless you each forgive your brother from your heart.
Wednesday
Reading 1 Deuteronomy 4:1. 5-9 Take notice of the laws and observe them.
Psalm Ps 147:12-13. 15-16. 19-20 r.12 O praise the Lord, Jerusalem!
Gospel Acclamation Jn 6:63.68 Your words are spirit, Lord and they are life;
you have the message of eternal life.
Jn 8:12 I am the light of the world, says the Lord;
anyone who follows me will have the light of life.
Gospel Matthew 5:17-19 The man who keeps these commandments and teaches them will be considered great in the kingdom of heaven.
Thursday
Reading 1 Jeremiah 7:23-28 Here is the nation that will not listen to the voice of the Lord its God.
Psalm Ps 94:1-2.6-9 r.8 O that today you would listen to his voice!
'Harden not your hearts.'
Gospel Acclamation Ez 18:31 Shake off all your sins — it is the Lord who speaks —
and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit.
Joel 2:12-13 Now, now — it is the Lord who speaks —
come back to me with all your heart,
for I am all tenderness and compassion.
Gospel Luke 11:14-23 He who is not with me is against me.
Friday
Reading 1 Hosea 14:2-10 We will not say any more, 'Our God' to what our own hands have made.
Psalm Ps 80:6. 8-11. 17 r.9. 11 I am the Lord your God;
listen to my warning.
Gospel Acclamation The seed is the word of God, Christ the sower,
Whoever finds this seed will remain for ever.
Mt 4:17 Repent, says the Lord,
for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.
Gospel Mark 12:28-34 The Lord our God is the one Lord, and you must love him.
Saturday
Reading 1 Hosea 5:15–6:6 What I want is love, not sacrifice.
Psalm Ps 50:3-4. 18-21 r. Hos 6:6 What I want is love, not sacrifice.
Gospel Acclamation Ps 94:8 Harden not your hearts today
but listen to the voice of the Lord.
Gospel Luke 18:9-14 The tax collector went home again at rights with God; the Pharisee did not.

Fourth Week of Lent

  • The first set of readings (Any Day) may be used instead of the proper text any day this week especially in Years B and C when the Gospel of the Man born Blind is not read on the Fourth Sunday of Lent.
  • Preface of Fourth Sunday of Lent is used with these readings
Colour
Purple
Mass
Proper
Preface of Lent
Office
Psalter Week IV
Any Day [see note in side panel]
Reading 1 Micah 7:7-9 Though I live in darkness, the Lord God is my light.
Psalm Ps 26 1. 7-9. 13-14 r.1 The Lord is my light and my help.
Gospel Acclamation Jn 8:12 I am the light of the world, says the Lord;
anyone who follows me will have the light of life.
Gospel John 9:1-41 He went off and washed himself, and came away with his sight restored.
Monday
Reading 1 Isaiah 65:17-21 No more will the sound of weeping or the sound of cries be heard.
Psalm Ps 29:2. 4-6. 11-13 I will praise you, Lord, you have rescued me.
Gospel Acclamation Ps 129:5. 7 My soul is waiting for the Lord, I count on his word,
because with the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption.
Amos 5:14 Seek good and not evil so that you may live,
and that the Lord God of hosts may really be with you.
Gospel John 4: 43-54 Go home, your son will live.
Tuesday
Reading 1 Ezekiel 47:1-9.12 I saw a stream of water coming from the Temple, bring life to all wherever it flowed.
Psalm Ps 45:2-3. 5-6.8-9 r.8 The Lord of hosts is with us:
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
Gospel Acclamation Ps 50:12, 14 A pure heart create for me, O God,
and give me again the joy of your help.
Gospel John 5:1-3. 5-16 The man was cured at once.
Wednesday
Reading 1 Isaiah 49:8-15 I have appointed you as covenant of the people to restore the land.
Psalm Ps 144:8-9. 13-14. 17-18 r.8 The Lord is kind and full of compassion.
Gospel Acclamation Jn 3:16 God so loved the world so much that he gave his only Son;
everyone who believes in him has eternal life.
Jn 11:25. 26 I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord;
whoever believes in me will never die.
Gospel John 5:17-30 As the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so the Son gives life to those he chooses.
Thursday
Reading 1 Exodus 32:7-14 Do not bring this disaster on your people.
Psalm Ps 105: 19-23 r.4 O Lord, remember me out of the love you have for your people.
Gospel Acclamation Jn 6:63.68 Your words are spirit, Lord and they are life;
you have the message of eternal life.
Jn 3:16 God so loved the world so much that he gave his only Son;
everyone who believes in him has eternal life.
Gospel John 5:31-47 You place your hope in Moses, and Moses will be our accuser.
Friday
Reading 1 Wisdom 2:1. 12-22 Let us condemn him to a shameful death.
Psalm Ps 33:16.18. 19-21. 23 r.19 The Lord is close to the broken hearted.
Gospel Acclamation Joel 2:12-13 Now, now — it is the Lord who speaks —
come back to me with all your heart,
for I am all tenderness and compassion.
Mt 4:4 Man does not live on bread alone
but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.
Gospel John 7:1-2. 10.25-30 They would have arrested him, but his time had not yet come.
Saturday
Reading 1 Jeremiah 11:18-20 I was like a trustful lamb being led to the slaughter-house
Psalm Ps 7:2-3. 9-12 r.2 Lord God, I take refuge in you.
Gospel Acclamation Ez 33:11 I take pleasure, not in the death of a wicked man—it is the Lord who speaks—
but in the turning back of a wicked man who changes his ways to win life.
Lk 8:15 Blessed are those who, with a noble and generous heart,
take the word of God to themselves
and yield a harvest through their perseverance.
Gospel John 7:40-52 Would the Christ be from Galilee?

Fifth Week of Lent

  • The first set of readings (Any Day) may be used instead of the proper text any day this week especially in Years B and C when the Gospel of the raising of Lazarus is not read on the Fifth Sunday of Lent.
  • Preface of Fifth Sunday of Lent is used with these readings
Colour
Purple
Mass
Proper
Preface of the Passion of the Lord I
Office
Psalter Week I
Any Day [see note in side panel]
Reading 1 2 Kings 4:18-21. 32-37 As Elisha lowered himself on to him, the child's flesh grew warm.
Psalm Ps 16:1. 6-8. 15 r.15 I shall be filled, when I awake, with the sight of your glory.
Gospel Acclamation Jn 11:25. 26 I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord;
whoever believes in me will never die.
Gospel John 11:1-45 I am the resurrection and the life.
Monday
Reading 1 Daniel 13:1-9. 15-17. 19-30. 33-62 Have I to die, innocent as I am
Psalm Ps 22 r.4 If I should walk in the valley of darkness no evil would I fear.
Gospel Acclamation 2 Cor 6:2 Now is the favourable time;
this is the day of salvation.
Ez 33:11 I take pleasure, not in the death of a wicked man—it is the Lord who speaks—
but in the turning back of a wicked man who changes his ways to win life.
Gospel John 8:1-11 If there is one of you who has not sinned, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.
in Year C John 8:12-20 I am the light of the world.
Tuesday
Reading 1 Numbers 21:4-9 If anyone is bitten and looks at the fiery serpent, he shall live.
Psalm Ps 101: 2-3. 16-21 r.2 O Lord, listen to my prayer
and let my cry for help reach you.
Gospel Acclamation Jn 8:12 I am the light of the world, says the Lord;
anyone who follows me will have the light of life.
The seed is the word of God, Christ the sower,
Whoever finds this seed will remain for ever.
Gospel John 8:21-30 When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He.
Wednesday
Reading 1 Daniel 3:14-20. 24-25. 28 He has sent his angel to rescue his servants.
Psalm Dan 3:52-56 r. 52 To you glory and praise for evermore.
Gospel Acclamation Mt 4:4 Man does not live on bread alone
but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.
Lk 8:15 Blessed are those who, with a noble and generous heart,
take the word of God to themselves
and yield a harvest through their perseverance.
Gospel John 8:31-42 If the Son of Man makes you free, you will be free indeed.
Thursday
Reading 1 Genesis 17:3-9 You shall become the father of a multitude of nations.
Psalm Ps 104:4-9 r.8 The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
Gospel Acclamation Jn 6:63.68 Your words are spirit, Lord and they are life;
you have the message of eternal life.
Ps 94:8 Harden not your hearts today
but listen to the voice of the Lord.
Gospel John 8:51-59 Your father Abraham rejoiced to think that he would see my Day.
Friday
Reading 1 Jeremiah 20:10-13 The Lord is at my side, a mighty hero.
Psalm Ps 17: 2-7 In my anguish I called to the Lord
and he heard my voice,
Gospel Acclamation Mt 4:17 Repent, says the Lord,
for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.
Jn 6:63.68 Your words are spirit, Lord and they are life;
you have the message of eternal life.
Gospel John 10:31-42 They wanted to arrest Jesus then, but he eluded them.
Saturday
Reading 1 Ezekiel 37:21-28 I will make them into one nation.
Psalm Jer 31:10-13 r.10 The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.
Gospel Acclamation Jn 3:16 God so loved the world so much that he gave his only Son;
everyone who believes in him has eternal life.
Ez 18:31 Shake off all your sins — it is the Lord who speaks —
and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit.
Gospel John 11:45-56 To gather together in unity the scattered children of God.

Holy Week

Sixth Week of Lent

Thursday

  • Chrism Mass
Colour
Purple
Mass
Proper
Preface of Passion of the Lord II
Office
Psalter Week II
Monday
Reading 1 Isaiah 42:1-7 He does not cry out or shout aloud.
Psalm Ps 26: 1-3. 13-14 r.1 The Lord is my light and my help.
Gospel Acclamation Hail to you, our King!
You alone have had compassion on our sins,
Gospel John 12:1-11 Leave her alone; she had to keep this scent for the day of my burial,
Tuesday
Reading 1 Isaiah 49:1-6 I will make you the light of the nations so that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.
Psalm Ps 70:1-6.15. 17 r. 15 My lips will tell of your help.
Gospel Acclamation Hail to you, our King!
Obedient to the Father, you were led to your crucifixion
as a meek lamb is led to the slaughter.
Gospel John 13:21-33. 33-38 One of you will betray me; before the cock crows, you will have disowned me three times.
Wednesday
Reading 1 Isaiah 50:4-9 I did not cover my face against insult and spittle.
Psalm Ps 68: 8-10. 21-22. 31. 33-34 r.14 In your great love, O Lord,
answer my prayer for your favour.
Gospel Acclamation Hail to you, our King!
Obedient to the Father, you were led to your crucifixion
as a meek lamb is led to the slaughter.
Hail to you, our King!
You alone have had compassion on our sins,
Gospel Matthew 26:14-25 The Son of Man is going to his fate, as the scriptures say he will, but alas for that man by whom he is betrayed.
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