Lent is a sacred time of reflection in the Catholic Church. It is during this season that we can contemplate the love of God, the sacrifices Jesus made for us, and the teachings of his miracles. 

There are three pillars of Lent that help guide us during this time: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. While prayer and fasting can be solitary practices, giving alms is a way for you to engage your community. Let's explore some almsgiving ideas for Lent.

What is Almsgiving?

Originally, almsgiving was focused on giving money to charity. The money saved by not eating meat during Lent was to be donated as an act of faith. But there are so many ways to give alms that have nothing to do with money. 

If you are looking for almsgiving ideas for lent, one of the best things you can do is donate your time. At its root, almsgiving demonstrates God's love in the world through acts of generosity and kindness. Volunteering your time is one of the most impactful ways to do that.

Ideas for volunteering during Lent

Volunteering with an organization is an amazing almsgiving idea for Lent. In engaging with the community around you, you can show God’s love to a whole new group of people. The charity of your time makes a huge impact. Here are some ideas to consider:

  • Find a local cleanup for a park or public area
  • Help out at a food bank 
  • Serve at a soup kitchen
  • Tutor students in need
  • Lend a hand in a building project for people in need
  • Deliver meals to the elderly
  • Help out in your local community garden
  • Volunteer at a local animal shelter

Ideas for donating your time during Lent

Volunteering is the only way to give alms during Lent. The act of giving your time to others is just as impactful. You don’t need to find an organization to partner with, just people around you who could use some help or company. Try one of the following:

  • Visiting with someone who is sick
  • Cooking extra food to bring to someone in need
  • Letting someone in front of you in line
  • Spend time praying for loved ones
  • Commit random acts of kindness throughout your day
  • Listening to a friend in need
  • Taking on extra chores to help your family
  • Drive someone to appointments 

Ideas for helping out at Church during Lent

If you’re overwhelmed by almsgiving ideas for Lent, there is always one place you can give your help, no matter what the circumstance: your church. In fact, helping out at your church is the perfect place to start your almsgiving journey. Your church will always have needs you can fill, and your efforts will only help make your congregation stronger. Consider doing one of the following:

  • Organizing a prayer group to pray for others
  • Put together a clothing drive
  • Help out with children’s ministries
  • Teach Sunday school
  • Drive people in need to church
  • Help cook churchwide meals
  • Go on a mission trip
  • See how you can assist during services

Learning from Lent

No matter which of these almsgiving ideas for Lent you use, you will gain something from it. Giving your time to others, be it in action or in thought, is a way of living a Christ-like life. What’s important is that you keep the intention of charity and kindness. Then, you’ll always be on the right track.