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Lent 2026
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Come to Jesus with your whole heart
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Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent on February 18, 2026. During the 40 days of lent, Catholics pray, fast, and give alms. By eliminating worldly distractions and spending more time in prayer, we can better hear the voice of God.
Check out the resources on this page to:- Find Lenten dates and observances.
- Read the Fish Fry Guide.
- Inspire your Lent with the new issue of Pittsburgh Catholic magazine.
- Mark your calendar for Lenten events.
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Lenten Dates and Observances
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Important Lent & Holy Week datesAsh Wednesday: February 18, 2026Palm Sunday: March 29, 2026Holy Thursday: April 2, 2026Good Friday: April 3, 2026Holy Saturday: April 4, 2026Easter Sunday: April 5, 2026
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How do Catholics observe Lent?During Lent, Catholics observe days of fast and abstinence.
- The obligation of abstinence, or refraining from eating meat, begins at the age of 14.
- When fasting, healthy people (ages 18-59) limit themselves one full meal and two lighter meals.
Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence.Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence.Individuals who have a medical condition in which fasting may be considered harmful are not obliged to fast, but should perform some other act of penance or charity.
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Take the Lenten Challenge
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Are you looking for a daily Lenten inspiration to help you draw closer to Jesus through prayer and sacrifice? Register for the 2026 Lenten Challenge by texting LENTDOP26 to 84576 or completing the form below. You will receive a text message every day in Lent to help guide your prayer and sacrifice.
No texting? No problem! Simply complete the form with your email address and you will receive these daily messages via email. -
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Who's hungry?
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Find a fish fry near you!
Parish Lenten fish frys have something for everyone! You’ll find baked or fried fish, crab cakes, shrimp, pasta, pierogies, fish tacos, haluski, gluten-free food, and more.
Dates are for the 2026 Lenten season only, unless otherwise listed. Check parish websites for menus and other details. Before you go, check with the parish for any changes.
Read the Fish Fry Guide
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Be strengthened in love this Lent withPittsburgh Catholic magazine
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This issue at a glance:
Parishioners help parishioners discern priesthood and religious life
Blessed McGivney’s Relic Finds a Place in Pittsburgh
How we can model Saint Patrick's devotion to God in our own lives
You can help feed the hungry with The Red Door and Catholic Charities
The 2026 Parish Fish Fry Guide
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Mark your calendar for upcoming Lenten events
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Wednesday, February 18, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center presents Ash Wednesday, a Day of Reflection. Start your Lenten journey with us!Read More -
Thursday, February 19, 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center presents "Holy Thursdays of Lent" weekly presentations on different themes presented both in person and online offered at no charge- free will offerings welcome.Read More -
Thursday, February 26, 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center presents "Holy Thursdays of Lent" weekly presentations on different themes presented both in person and online offered at no charge- free will offerings welcome.Read More
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Thursday, March 5, 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center presents "Holy Thursdays of Lent" weekly presentations on different themes presented both in person and online offered at no charge- free will offerings welcome.Read More
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Thursday, March 12, 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center presents "Holy Thursdays of Lent" weekly presentations on different themes presented both in person and online offered at no charge- free will offerings welcome.Read More
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Saturday, March 14, 8:00 AMThe day begins with Mass celebrated with Fr. David Dodd, TOR, with guest speaker Dr. John Bergsma, Holy Hour, refreshments, and prayer ministry.Read More
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Thursday, March 19, 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center presents "Holy Thursdays of Lent" weekly presentations on different themes presented both in person and online offered at no charge- free will offerings welcome.Read More
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March 20 - March 22
This weekend will involve amazing speakers, Mass on Saturday & Sunday, Eucharistic Adoration, Confession, and more!Read More -
Tuesday, March 24, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center presents "Day of Recollection on the Passion Narratives", led by Monsignor Lawrence DiNardo, VE, JCL.Read More -
Thursday, March 26, 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center presents "Holy Thursdays of Lent" weekly presentations on different themes presented both in person and online offered at no charge- free will offerings welcome.Read More
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April 2 - April 4
St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center Presents...Triduum Retreat "Journey through The Triduum with Christ".Read More
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