Lent
Lent, Holy Week, and Easter 2025
Lent is a forty day period of time during which Christians devote themselves to prayer, fasting, and works of mercy as a way of preparing themselves to celebrate Christ's death and resurrection at Easter. Originally a time of preparation for those who would be baptized on Easter, Lent gradually became a time when those who had left the practice of their faith would return to Christ and the Church.
Today, Lent offers Christians an opportunity to prepare themselves to recommit to their baptismal promises at Easter by returning to the basic practices of their faith.
Lake Shore Campus:
Madonna della Strada Chapel, liturgy includes the distribution of ashes:
- 12:00 p.m. Mass
Water Tower Campus:
All liturgies include the distribution of ashes.
- 7:00 a.m. Mass in Holy Name Cathedral
- 8:00 a.m. Mass in Holy Name Cathedral
- 9:00 a.m. Service of the Word in Holy Name Cathedral
- 9:30 a.m. Service of the Word in Holy Name Cathedral
- 10:00 a.m. Service of the Word in Holy Name Cathedral
- 10:30 a.m. Service of the Word in Holy Name Cathedral
- 11:30 a.m. Mass in St. James Chapel (Quigley Center, corner of Pearson & Rush)
- 12:00 p.m. Noon Mass in Holy Name Cathedral
- 1:00 p.m. Service of the Word in Holy Name Cathedral
- 3:30 p.m. Service of the Word in Holy Name Cathedral
- 4:00 p.m. Service of the Word in Holy Name Cathedral
- 5:15 p.m. Mass in Holy Name Cathedral
- 7:00 p.m. Mass in Holy Name Cathedral
Health Sciences Campus:
All liturgies include the distribution of ashes.
- 8:30 a.m., Mass, Cuneo 2nd Floor Atrium
- 12:00 p.m. Word Service, Cuneo 2nd Floor Atrium
Jesuit Midwest Province
Click here for Lenten resources in the tradition of Ignatian spirituality.
Daily Bible Readings
For the scripture readings from the Mass, please click here.
Daily Prayer from " Sacred Space"
This prayer site is a joint apostalate of the Irish Jesuits and Loyola Press. For today's prayer, click here.
An Ignatian Guide to Lent
Lent is a season of repentance and renewal. We turn away from our sinfulness and recommit ourselves to following Jesus. Ignatian contemplation and reflective prayer encourage us in the season of Lent. Click here to view Ignatian resources for Lent.
Lent 2025: Take Heart
Subscribe here for FREE daily reflections and join the Ignatian Solidarity Network, in our world in which injustice abounds, to refresh our souls and our imaginations to make space for the Spirit to work through us. Reflections are available as daily emails or podcast formats, your choice when you sign up for free.
Fasting, Abstinence, and Personal Practice
The forty days of Lent are a period in which Christians devote themselves to increased prayer, fasting, and works of mercy as a way of celebrating the Mystery which lies at the heart of our faith: the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of our Lord at Easter. This is also the time wherein converts to the faith enter the final stage of their preparation for baptism or full reception into the Church, and we especially pray for them during this time.
Lent is an opportunity for all Christians to take a self-assessment: where am I in my relationship with God? What more can I do to put this relationship at the center of my life? What stands in the way of being my most authentic self, that is, a beloved daughter or son of God?
In addition to regular acts of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, the Church asks us to:
- Abstain from meat on all Fridays of Lent, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday (for Catholics above the age of 14)
- Practice intentional fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday which means only eating one full meatless meal and (if needed) two smaller meatless meals which together do not equal a full meal. This fasting is compulsory for all Catholics between the ages of 18-59 except for pregnant women, those with medical conditions such as diabetes, and those engaged in manual labor. The Church also invites us to consider observing a fast on Holy Saturday up until the conclusion of the Easter Vigil.
SIGNATURE EVENTS
(scroll down for Weekly Events)
March 5-April 17: Loyola Employees’ Busy Person Retreat, Throughout Lent, On Campus
The Busy Person Retreat is open to all Loyola University employees during the season of Lent. Participants commit to weekly prayer and weekly spiritual direction. Mission Integration will provide prayer resources and spiritual direction introductions. Register by February 21. For more information, please email Lauren Schwer, lschwer@luc.edu.
March 6-7: Inner Mission Retreat
Care for the mind, body, and spirit. Join our one-day spring retreat at LUREC for some relaxing self-care. We will focus on mindfulness and rest using Cura Personalis as our guide as you develop your own personal mission. Cost $30. Open to all Loyola employees. Questions, please email Klamesha Richards, krichards6@luc.edu.
March 14: Sunrise Prayer
Join the CLC community to celebrate the beauty of nature as we watch the sunshine! Coffee, hot chocolate, and donuts will be available. Open to all! Gather at 6:50 a.m. on the lakefront path in front of Madonna della Strada Chapel. Questions?: vsastoqueluna@luc.edu.
March 19: Taizé Prayer around the Cross, 8:00-8:30 p.m., Madonna della Strada Chapel
Reflect on the meaning of the cross through word and song during this special ecumenical prayer service.
March 23-24: Into the Desert with the Lord
Madonna della Strada Chapel will be holding Eucharistic Adoration from the conclusion of the 9:00 p.m. Mass on Sunday, March 23 until 9:00 p.m. on Monday, March 24. We accompany Jesus into the desert on this First Sunday of Lent and spend some time in prayer and introspection as we begin our Lenten journey. Confessions will be available on Monday evening at 8:00 p.m. and provide an ideal moment to confess our faults to God at the beginning of Lent so that we can encounter Jesus more readily. Adoration concludes at 9:00 p.m. on Monday with a solemn celebration of the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
April 4: Sunrise Prayer
Join the CLC community to celebrate the beauty of nature as we watch the sunshine! Coffee, hot chocolate, and donuts will be available. Open to all! Gather at 6:50 a.m. on the lakefront path in front of Madonna della Strada Chapel. Questions?: vsastoqueluna@luc.edu.
April 14: Via Crucis, 6:00-8:00 p.m., begins in front of Madonna della Strada Chapel
Follow Jesus’ way to the cross with this prayer service that focuses on social justice.
April 16: Taizé Prayer around the Cross, 8:00-8:30 p.m., Madonna della Strada Chapel
Reflect on the meaning of the cross through word and song during this special ecumenical prayer service.
WEEKLY EVENTS
Sundays: Madonna della Strada Chapel
For the complete list of Sunday liturgies at the chapel, click here.
Mondays-Fridays: Weekday Mass, 12:00-12:30 p.m., Madonna della Strada Chapel
Participate in this reflective, spoken celebration of the Eucharist during Lent.
Mondays: Adoration of the Eucharist and Confessions, 8:00-9:00 p.m., Madonna della Strada Chapel
Take time out of your busy schedule to go to confession and pray before Christ in the Most Blessed Sacrament.
Tuesdays: Rosary, 9:00 p.m., Madonna della Strada Chapel
Pray the rosary with members of the AMDG Student Group.
Tuesdays: St. Thomas of Canterbury Soup Kitchen, 3:30-7:30 p.m., Meet in Damen 232
Every Tuesday when classes are in session, a group of Loyola students join with Community Service and Action to volunteer at the St. Thomas of Canterbury Soup Kitchen. Join us to prepare and serve a meal for guests. Full details are available here: https://www.luc.edu/serve/service/soupkitchen/.
Wednesdays: Taizé Prayer, 8:00-8:30 p.m., Madonna della Strada Chapel
Join us for an ecumenical service of prayer, song, and silence.
Thursdays: Thursday Night Student Mass, 9:00 p.m., Ignatius House Chapel
Join other students for this weekly celebration of the Eucharist.
Fridays: Stations of the Cross, 4:00-4:30 p.m., Madonna della Strada Chapel
Meditate on the life and death of Jesus with our AMDG and Lake Shore community.
Fridays: St. Thomas of Canterbury Soup Kitchen, 3:30-7:30 p.m., Meet in Damen 232
Every Friday when classes are in session, a group of Loyola students join with Community Service and Action to volunteer at the St. Thomas of Canterbury Soup Kitchen. Join us to prepare and serve a meal for guests. Full details are available here: https://www.luc.edu/serve/service/soupkitchen/.
SIGNATURE EVENTS
Ash Wednesday (March 5)
All liturgies include the distribution of ashes:
- 7:00 a.m. Mass in Holy Name Cathedral
- 8:00 a.m. Mass in Holy Name Cathedral
- 9:00 a.m. Service of the Word in Holy Name Cathedral
- 9:30 a.m. Service of the Word in Holy Name Cathedral
- 10:00 a.m. Service of the Word in Holy Name Cathedral
- 10:30 a.m. Service of the Word in Holy Name Cathedral
- 11:30 a.m. Mass in St. James Chapel (Quigley Center, corner of Pearson & Rush)
- 12:00 p.m. Noon Mass in Holy Name Cathedral
- 1:00 p.m. Service of the Word in Holy Name Cathedral
- 3:30 p.m. Service of the Word in Holy Name Cathedral
- 4:00 p.m. Service of the Word in Holy Name Cathedral
- 5:15 p.m. Mass in Holy Name Cathedral
- 7:00 p.m. Mass in Holy Name Cathedral
March 5-April 17: Loyola Employees’ Busy Person Retreat, Throughout Lent, On Campus
The Busy Person Retreat is open to all Loyola University employees during the season of Lent. Participants commit to weekly prayer and weekly spiritual direction. Mission Integration will provide prayer resources and spiritual direction introductions. Register by February 21. For more information, please email Lauren Schwer, lschwer@luc.edu.
March 6-7: Inner Mission Retreat
Care for the mind, body, and spirit. Join our one-day spring retreat at LUREC for some relaxing self-care. We will focus on mindfulness and rest using Cura Personalis as our guide as you develop your own personal mission. Cost $30. Open to all Loyola employees. Questions, please email Klamesha Richards, krichards6@luc.edu.
March 26: Spiritual Wellness, 12:30-12:50 p.m., School of Communication Building, Room TBD. (Doors open at 12:15 p.m. for silent meditation)
Reflective meditation/examen led by staff from the Wellness Center and WTC Campus Ministry. Doors open at 12:15 p.m. for silent meditation. Tea and snacks will be provided.
April 16: Holy Week Coloring Meditation, 12:00-1:30 p.m., WTC, Room TBD.
Take some time for silence and reflection this Holy Week. Coloring pages of the Stations of the Cross and other biblical stories will be provided. Stop by for all or part of the time and go at your own pace.
WEEKLY EVENTS
Sundays: Mass, 7:00 p.m., All Saints Chapel (3rd Floor of Terry Student Center)
Join others in this weekly celebration of the Eucharist.
Mondays: Mass at WTC, 12:10 p.m., All Saints Chapel (3rd Floor of Terry Student Center)
Join others in this weekly celebration of the Eucharist.
Mondays: Java with the Jesuit (Fr. Jerry Overbeck, SJ), 11:00 a.m.-Noon, Loyola’s Starbucks
Join Fr. Jerry for coffee and conversation.
Mondays: Vino with the Vicar (Fr. Jerry Overbeck, SJ), 4:00-5:00 p.m., Alpana (Pearson & State)
Join Fr. Jerry for wine, wit and wisdom.
Tuesdays: Mocha with the Minister, 10:30 a.m.-Noon (except March 11), Terry Student Center Lobby
Stop by to chat with the Campus Minister and grab coffee or donuts. Lenten coloring pages and devotions will be available for pickup during this time.
Tuesdays: Java with the Jesuit (Fr. Jerry Overbeck, SJ), 11:00 a.m.-Noon, Loyola’s Starbucks
Join Fr. Jerry for coffee and conversation.
Tuesdays: Mass at WTC, 12:10 p.m., All Saints Chapel (3rd Floor of Terry Student Center)
Join others in this weekly celebration of the Eucharist.
Wednesdays: Java with the Jesuit (Fr. Jerry Overbeck, SJ), 11:00 a.m.-Noon, Loyola’s Starbucks
Join Fr. Jerry for coffee and conversation.
Wednesdays: Eucharistic Adoration at WTC, 2:00-4:00 p.m., All Saints Chapel (3rd Floor of Terry Student Center)
Join others in this weekly celebration of the Eucharist.
Thursdays: Labre Homeless Outreach, 4:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., 4th Floor Lounge of Baumhart Hall
Sign up to volunteer at LUCommunity.
Fridays: Java with the Jesuit (Fr. Jerry Overbeck, SJ), 11:00 a.m.-Noon, Loyola’s Starbucks
Join Fr. Jerry for coffee and conversation.
Fridays: Vino with the Vicar (Fr. Jerry Overbeck, SJ), 4:00-5:00 p.m., Alpana (Pearson & State)
Join Fr. Jerry for wine, wit and wisdom.
Reconciliation (Confession), Spiritual Direction, Pastoral Counseling: upon request with Fr. Jerry Overbeck, SJ (joverb2@luc.edu).
Prayer, Pastoral Care, Conversation: upon request with Campus Minister, Rev. Emily Heitzman email Emily at eheitzman@luc.edu or stop by Emily’s office in the Terry Student Center, Room 301C.
Ash Wednesday Services (Wed, Mar 5)
Eucharistic Liturgy with distribution of ashes: 8:30 a.m., Cuneo 2nd Floor Atrium
Word Service with distribution of ashes: 12:00 p.m., Cuneo 2nd Floor Atrium
March 5-April 17: Loyola Employees’ Busy Person Retreat, Throughout Lent, On Campus
The Busy Person Retreat is open to all Loyola University employees during the season of Lent. Participants commit to weekly prayer and weekly spiritual direction. Mission Integration will provide prayer resources and spiritual direction introductions. Register by February 21. For more information, please email Lauren Schwer, lschwer@luc.edu.
March 6-7: Inner Mission Retreat
Care for the mind, body, and spirit. Join our one-day spring retreat at LUREC for some relaxing self-care. We will focus on mindfulness and rest using Cura Personalis as our guide as you develop your own personal mission. Cost $30. Open to all Loyola employees. Questions, please email Klamesha Richards, krichards6@luc.edu.
Stations of the Cross
Throughout Lent, visit the Stations of the Cross reflections written by members of the HSC community and posted in the 2nd floor window bridge between Niehoff and Stritch.
Madonna della Strada Holy Week
April 13, Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord
Mass and Procession at 10:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Confessions from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
April 14, Monday of Holy Week
Mass at 12:00 noon
Via Crucis, Bilingual Outdoor Stations of the Cross at 6:30 p.m. (begins in the Chapel)
Eucharistic Adoration and Confessions from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m.
April 15, Tuesday of Holy Week
Mass at 12:00 noon
Rosary at 9:00 p.m.
April 16, Wednesday of Holy Week
Mass at 12:00 noon
Taize Evening Prayer at 8:00 p.m.
April 17, Holy Thursday
Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper at 5:00 p.m.
Chapel will be open for Eucharistic Adoration until midnight.
No other Masses will be celebrated on this day.
April 18, Good Friday
Celebration of the Passion of the Lord at 3:00 p.m.
No other liturgies will be celebrated on this day.
April 19, Holy Saturday
The Great Easter Vigil at 8:00 p.m.
April 20, Easter Sunday
Mass at 10:30 a.m.
No other Masses or Confessions will be celebrated on this day.
Lent is a forty day period of time during which Christians devote themselves to prayer, fasting, and works of mercy as a way of preparing themselves to celebrate Christ's death and resurrection at Easter. Originally a time of preparation for those who would be baptized on Easter, Lent gradually became a time when those who had left the practice of their faith would return to Christ and the Church.
Today, Lent offers Christians an opportunity to prepare themselves to recommit to their baptismal promises at Easter by returning to the basic practices of their faith.