Let begins tomorrow! Are you ready? Below are 6 common questions Catholics (and non-Catholics) ask about Lent.

1. What is Lent?

According to the General Norms for the Liturgical Year and the Calendar, “Lent is a preparation for the celebration of Easter. For the Lenten liturgy disposes both catechumens and the faithful to celebrate the paschal mystery: catechumens, through the several stages of Christian initiation; the faithful through reminders of their own baptism and through penitential practices” (General Norms 27).

2. Is Lent actually forty days long?

Technically, no. According to the General Norms, “Lent runs from Ash Wednesday until the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, exclusive” (General Norms 28). This means Lent ends at the beginning of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday. Count it as you will, that’s more than forty days. Therefore, the number forty in traditional hymns such…