As we look back on Lent across the archdiocese, there is much to give thanks for. From quiet moments of prayer to creative community gatherings, parishioners of all ages came together to mark this sacred season with faith, generosity, and a strong sense of belonging.

In many of our parishes, the familiar rhythm of Lenten devotion was at the heart of parish life. At many of our churches, parishioners gathered each week before Mass to pray the Stations of the Cross, entering more deeply into Christ’s journey to Calvary. This devotion was echoed throughout the archdiocese, where the Stations were prayed regularly, drawing communities together in reflection and prayer.

St James’ Church in Bootle had particular cause for celebration this year, celebrating its 140th anniversary just before the beginning of Lent – a reminder of the enduring witness of faith in our local communities.

Our schools played a key role throughout the season too. Children from across the archdiocese took part in "Ask the clergy” by sending in questions about Lent for priests and deacons to answer.  Thanks to Bishop Tom Neylon, Fr Stephen Pritchard, Fr Joe Bibby and Dcn Paul Rooney for taking the time to answer the questions.

The story of the Passion was brought to life in the classroom too. Pupils at St John Bosco School, Croxteth, and Sacred Heart Catholic Academy, Crosby, presented moving Passion Plays, including a contemporary retelling titled “The Choice: A Modern Passion Play”. These performances offered moments of reflection not only for students, but for the wider school communities.

Prayer remained central in both parish and school life. At the Salesian Academy of St John Bosco, pupils and staff gathered for Celebrations of the Word, reflecting on the three pillars of Lent: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.  

Meanwhile, the Parish of St Catherine of Alexandria, Lydiate offered a weekly “School of Prayer,” in person and online, inviting parishioners to slow down, reflect, and deepen their relationship with God.

Other parishes explored Lent through preaching and formation. At Our Lady of the Assumption in Gateacre, a weekly series of sessions guided parishioners through themes such as “Desert Decisions” and “When Following Jesus Gets Serious,” offering a meaningful journey through the weeks of Lent. The parish also went to a shopping centre on Ash Wednesday to distribute ashes.

Meanwhile, at St Francis Xavier, Fr Chris McCoy led a series of Lenten talks, helping participants to reflect more deeply on the meaning of Holy Week and the Resurrection.

Community and creativity also flourished. At Our Lady of Compassion parish in Formby, parishioners gathered at “The Chattery” for an early Easter celebration, complete with a fantastic hat parade that brought smiles to all involved. Events like these highlight the importance of fellowship and shared joy, even within the more reflective Lenten season.

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Across the whole archdiocese, many responded to the call to charity and outreach. Schools such as St Jerome’s Catholic Primary School in Formby and churches such as the Metropolitan Cathedral took part in CAFOD’s Big Lent Walk, joining a global effort to support communities in need.

The archdiocesan Lenten Giving Calendar also encouraged practical acts of generosity, helping families support local food banks throughout the season.

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Lent also extended beyond parish boundaries and into the wider community. The annual Carrying of the Cross through Liverpool city centre brought people together to walk in prayer from Church Street to St Luke’s “Bombed Out” Church.

Retreats and reflections hosted by the Irenaeus Project provided further opportunities for spiritual renewal, while special liturgies, including the Chrism Mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral, gathered the faithful from across the region.

There were also moments of healing and reconciliation, such as the Healing Mass and opportunities for Confession at Bishop Eton, reminding us of God’s mercy at the heart of the Lenten journey.

Taken together, these many different activities paint a rich picture of Lent in our archdiocese: a season lived out in prayer and action, in quiet reflection and joyful community, in tradition and creativity alike.

As we now celebrate the joy of Easter, we give thanks for all who helped make this Lenten journey so meaningful: clergy, parishioners, schools, and volunteers, each playing their part in building up the life of the Church across our archdiocese.