February 15, 2026

My dear Kirkland Catholics,

As we are now almost in Lent, you are probably aware the primary focus is conversion and specifically focused on how the three tools of prayer, fasting and almsgiving aid in the process of conversion. Fasting and almsgiving are not ends in themselves, though almsgiving is meritorious. Prayer is an ends in itself, because our connection and intimacy with God by itself is why God created us. I want to touch briefly on options and ideas for all three of these this Lent that you might want to consider integrating into your Lenten resolution.

Fasting is the cutting back on things that are not sinful in themselves, but by cutting back we create space for focus on God. Fasting from food or particular foods is a primary way we do this. The very hunger we experience or “check” on consuming a particular food is an opportunity to “remember why” and turn our hearts to God. In some cases (if one is single for example and don’t have dependents you are cooking for) eliminates the need to cook and/or go shopping and eating, all of which actually take quite a bit of time that can be given to God instead.Fasting from, for example, social media or television also provides greater opportunity to focus on God. Two Lents in the past, for example, I eliminated television (ESPN) from my morning breakfast prep and Facebook in separate years, and I didn’t bring Facebook or morning TV back into my life after Lent, realizing my life was more peaceful and grounded in the new routines of not having those things.

Almsgiving is giving to those who are needy or to other good causes. In participating in God’s mercy it helps the heart of the giver by softening the heart, sharpening compassion, healing fear of scarcity by training one’s trust in God’s providence. Rice Bowls are a good reminder, and discerning and updating one’s tithes to one’s parish and other philanthropic gifting is something to consider during Lent.

Prayer is the heart of all these disciplines. I would encourage you to use the Hallow App, or adopt another new daily discipline that you suspect might be a new habit that you would like to incorporate in daily or weekly life after Lent ends. You might consider attending a daily Mass once a week as well.

Final encouragement: if this column is any inspiration for a Lenten resolution, I encourage you to write it down right away and pray about whether to incorporate it beginning Ash Wednesday. As we walk this Lenten journey together be assured of my prayers as always.

With love in Christ,

Fr. Brad