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Lent at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Sterling, VA
Ash Wednesday, weekly worship, Holy Week and meaningful Lenten practices.
Rooted: Practices That Help Us Stay Grounded in Real Life
Lent is a time to slow down, reconnect, and deepen our faith.
Our Lenten theme and sermon series, Rooted, invites us to stay grounded in Christ through practices that support us in everyday life, worship, and prayer.
Come as you are and take part in a steady, meaningful journey with us through Lent.
Explore Lent at St. Matthew's:
Join us on Sundays at 8, 9:30, and 11 AM
Lent Soup Supper & Discussion Series
Wednesdays at 6:30 PM | Beginning February 25th
This Lent, we’re inviting you to a midweek pause. On Wednesday evenings, we’ll gather for a simple soup supper, meaningful conversation, and practices that help us stay grounded in real life.
Too Good To Miss is a five-week Lenten series designed to help us live with greater intention, clarity, and faith when it matters most.
There’s no homework and no pressure. Just space to breathe, connect, and grow alongside others.
Enjoy a light soup supper, engaging discussions for all ages, and a peaceful Compline service to end the evening.
Programming for children, youth, and adults. Wednesdays at 6:30 PM, starting March 12.
Lent Devotional
Holy Habits
An invitation to rediscover, or deepen, holy habits of prayer, worship and engagement with Scripture
Written by Sister Monica Clare* and, an Episcopal nun, author and unlikely TikTok star, our 2026 meditations offer an invitation to rediscover—or deepen—holy habits of prayer, worship and engagement with Scripture. These "holy habits" provide a path to a life that is given shape, meaning and direction by being rooted in a deeper relationship with God.
*Published by Episcopal Relief & Development
A limited supply of printed copies available at St. Matthew's for pick up by the front entrance of the sanctuary beginning Sunday, February 15th.
Lent Resources
Devotionals, blogs, recipes, podcasts and more for a deeper dive into your Lenten journey.
LENT FAQ'S
Lent is a season of slowing down, walking with Christ, and truly reflecting on the sacrifice He made for us. It is a moving and introspective season of the church year.
There are traditionally 3 pillars of Lenten practice: Prayer, Fasting, and Giving.
Why is it called Lent?
"Lent" originates from Old English "lencten," meaning both "spring season" and the fasting period.
The term traces back to West Germanic "langitinaz," representing the lengthening of days in spring. In Greek and Latin, Lent's names align with the numeric significance of 40. Despite English complexities, the etymology links to the lengthening days during spring, symbolizing this season of transition.
What Christian Denominations Observe Lent?
The season of Lent is observed by Episcopal, Lutheran, Methodist, Easter Orthodox, Presbyterian, Anglican, and Roman Catholic denominations, as well as some non-denominational Christians.
When does Lent begin?
Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent.
How long is Lent?
Lent beings on Ash Wednesday and includes 40 days excluding Sundays. Sundays are considered Feast Days, allowing a break from 'fasting'.
Spanning 40 days, Lent mirrors Christ's fasting during his wilderness temptation (Matthew 4:1-11), fostering reflection and preparation.
Why ashes on Ash Wednesday?
Ashes on Ash Wednesday serve as a reminder of mortality, prompting reflection on life's priorities. Symbolizing transformation and renewal, the ash-cross on foreheads signifies a commitment to change, to overcoming sin, and embracing a rebirth through Baptism. Facing our mortality encourages a profound willingness to align our lives with what truly matters.
What is fasting?
Fasting is the practice of intentionally giving something up for a period of time to focus more fully on prayer, reflection, and spiritual growth. This may include abstaining from certain foods, limiting alcohol, or stepping back from specific habits or activities.
In the Christian tradition, fasting has been practiced since biblical times and was taught by Jesus. During Lent, fasting is meant to create space for self-examination and a deeper awareness of God’s presence. There is no single right way to fast, and each person is encouraged to approach it in a way that is thoughtful, healthy, and meaningful for their own life.
Why prayer, fasting, and giving?
Derived from the Latin word "discere," meaning to learn, these disciplines instill the needed discipline for a closer Christ-following journey. Prayer opens us to God, fasting purifies, and giving alms channels God's mercy through us. The shared root of "disciple" and "discipline" underscores the commitment to learning and growing in Christ. Mastering these disciplines empowers us to control desires, fostering a closer connection with God. Giving alms, a response to God's abundant grace, allows His mercy to flow freely through our actions.
Why do we give things up during Lent?
Giving up things during Lent is a practice of discipline, promoting self-control to shift focus from material desires to the deeper joy found in faith and Jesus Christ. This intentional sacrifice involves abstaining from unhealthy habits like smoking or overindulgence, redirecting attention toward spiritual growth.
Beyond relinquishing detrimental behaviors, Lent encourages forsaking non-essential activities that clutter our lives, such as excessive TV or shopping. Clearing this clutter allows for a more meaningful connection with Jesus, emphasizing the importance of faith over distractions. By exercising discipline through these sacrifices, Lent becomes a transformative period for prioritizing spiritual well-being and fostering a closer relationship with Christ.
Can I eat meat during Lent?
While the Episcopal tradition doesn't strictly mandate abstaining from meat, individuals are encouraged to observe Fridays with personal acts reflecting Christ's self-sacrificing love. Find a way that is meaningful to you.
Meat, associated with luxury, represents a sacrifice to live more modestly. Even vegetarians are encouraged to find alternative forms of sacrifice.
In short, if you're asking 'can I eat meat?', 'can I eat chicken?' or 'what are the Lent meat rules?' on Fridays during Lent? The short answer is: it's a personal choice.
We encourage you to find something meaningful to you to abstain from or take on as a way of spiritual practice during this season.
Is Lent supposed to be a sad time?
While Lent might seem somber to some, it's consistently describe it as a joyful season. Lent isn't inherently sad but rather sober, encouraging introspection. The joy within Lent is profound, an eyes-wide-open joy acknowledging Jesus' suffering, ultimately leading to the joy of the resurrection. This season prompts a mindful reflection on the transformative journey from suffering to joy.
Why don't we say Alleluia during Lent?
During Lent, liturgical changes during the service, like the absence of the Alleluia, reflect the season's somber tone. "Alleluia" means "praise Yahweh" in Hebrew, traditionally symbolizing angelic worship around God's throne. Its omission aligns with Lent's reflective atmosphere, emphasizing repentance and preparation for Easter. Lent invites a solemn participation in worship, withholding the Alleluia until the joyous celebration of Easter.