Diocesan priests discuss the spiritual importance of Lent

Friday, Feb. 13, 2015

SALT LAKE CITY —Catholics have the opportunity to examine their lives during the 40 days of Lent to grow in holiness. In this article, seven priests from throughout the Diocese of Salt Lake City share their views on the importance of Lent and how they would like to see their parishioners use this season to grow spiritually.

Each year, Lent is a time to “reflect on our spiritual lives; to take a spiritual assessment: ‘How am I doing with God?” said Father Martin Diaz, Cathedral of the Madeleine pastor. “Lent is a time to break up one’s routine. For example, adding daily Mass, or volunteering a couple of hours a week at the Good Samaritan House or at the Saint Vincent de Paul kitchen.”

Another example would be to attend the Stations of the Cross and simple soup suppers or fish frys that many parishes offer on Fridays during Lent. 

Father Manuel de Jesus Ceron, administrator of Saint James the Greater Parish in Vernal, agreed that Lent is a time to increase one’s spirituality. 

“Lent gives Catholics a new beginning to think about their spiritual life,” said Fr. Ceron said. “I invite the community to start their spiritual journey by choosing one of the gospels to read. We fast every Friday and gather to pray and nourish ourselves by sharing some time together and a meal. Basically, by receiving the Gospel, the sacraments and thinking of Lent as an opportunity to start again to follow Jesus Christ” Catholics can grow spiritually. 

Lent is a time to “rededicate ourselves to Christ,” said Father Sam Dinsdale, pastor of Saint Marguerite Parish in Tooele. “I would like to see the parishioners do something that follows their baptismal promises, such as increasing their daily prayers, studying and understanding what it is to be a Christian by giving of themselves in terms of service or ministry inside the parish or out in the community.”

Father Andrzej Skrzypiec, pastor of Saint Ambrose Parish in Salt Lake City, would like to see his parishioners be “less distracted,” he said. “I would like to see the parishioners create a space where they will not be disturbed by the influence of the media. In that way they can pray and open their hearts to God; create a monastery – an aesthetic space where they can pray more and really turn to God. We are so distracted by too much stimuli.” 

Father Martin Picos, pastor of Saint George Parish, would like parishioners to see “the cross as a sign of victory,” he said. “We know that Lent is about penance and giving up many things, but the main reason for Lent is to walk with the Lord for 40 days and to have a deep relationship with him; to have a change of heart and a change of mind.” 

Lent is a season of “penance and interior renovation,” agreed Father Arokia Dass David, Saint Therese of the Child Jesus parochial vicar. “It is a time to prepare ourselves spiritually for the events that will occur in the coming year.”  

During the 40 days of Lent, “Christ will help us free ourselves from sin and give us the graces we need to conquer temptations if we ask him ‘Lord, protect me from all sin,’” said Fr. Dass. “We want to pray more, fast and give alms. Through prayer, fasting, accompanied by forgiving others and helping the poor, may we, like Jesus in the desert for 40 days overcome temptation and be prepared for Easter.”

Father Richard Sherman, Christ the King parochial vicar, took a different approach toward the season than the other priests interviewed for this article. 

“Lent is a time for mindfulness about our daily lifestyle decisions,” Fr. Sherman said. “In line with Pope Francis’ ongoing statements of concern about sustainable farming, equitable food distribution, and stewardship of creation, we will consider where our food comes from and the process entailed in getting it to our tables. Also, we will consider where our water comes from and if it’s sustainable.”

Fr. Sherman’s many suggestions for Christ the King parishioners include: Write your autobiography and be relentlessly honest, have more face-to-face conversations, love and help your significant other, and be completely quiet for 30 minutes each day, not counting sleep.