Lent 2026
Prayer & compassion for neighbors seeking hope
This Lent, we invite you to join us in prayer for the individuals and families served by Catholic Charities. This guide provides weekly stories inspired by the real lives of those we serve, accompanied by intentions to guide your daily intercessions. You may use these provided petitions or offer your own from the heart as we seek stability and peace for our neighbors.
Who We are Praying for This Week
A patient at our Free Health Care Center suffered extreme foot pain from worn-out shoes. His provider personally bought him a new pair. We serve those struggling to find proper attire for the miles they must walk each day in the city.
Today's Prayer
Abundant resources for the Free Health Care Center mission.
Week of Ash Wednesday
In Allegheny County, a former foster youth with mental health struggles is preparing for a baby. We are helping her secure a home and a future for her child through case management and financial aid for a security deposit.
Saturday, Feb 21
A renewed will to live and thrive in this new chapter.
Friday, Feb 20
A healthy pregnancy and a peaceful, safe birth.
Thursday, Feb 19
Provision of the funds needed for her security deposit.
Wednesday, Feb 18
Continued success and engagement in her mental health.
First Week of Lent
A veteran in Greene County with significant mobility challenges cares for his adult daughter with mental illness. After his wife’s passing, he handles all cooking, cleaning, and bills alone. We helped with a water shut-off to ease his burden.
Saturday, Feb 28
Moments of rest and rejuvenation for this weary caregiver.
Friday, Feb 27
For helpers to stand by him in his daily tasks.
Thursday, Feb 26
A positive and resilient spirit despite his heavy burdens.
Wednesday, Feb 25
Provision for bills and utilities to keep their home running.
Tuesday, Feb 24
Comfort as he carries the grief of his wife’s passing.
Monday, Feb 23
Peace and stability for his daughter’s mental health.
Sunday, Feb 22
Physical strength for his body to manage daily chores.
Second Week of Lent
After the recent passing of an elderly client in Allegheny County, we remember her journey. Through Counseling, she conquered lifelong anxiety and self-blame, eventually learning to drive and finding a peace she never thought possible.
Saturday, March 7
The courage for others to seek the "lifeline" of professional therapy.
Friday, March 6
Dignity and support for seniors navigating the challenges of aging.
Thursday, March 5
Mental health care access for all seniors in our community.
Wednesday, March 4
Freedom for all who suffer from lifelong self-blame and negative thoughts.
Tuesday, March 3
Comfort for the staff and friends who remember her joy and progress.
Monday, March 2
Eternal rest and perpetual light for her soul.
Sunday, March 1
Gratitude for the independence and strength she found in her final years.
Third Week of Lent
An Allegheny County student found a fresh start through our Gismondi Job Training Program. After years of uncertainty, he has a new trade and a renewed spirit. His wife expressed deep gratitude for the new hope and confidence he has gained through the program.
Saturday, March 14
Wisdom for the instructors who believe in their students.
Friday, March 13
The strengthening of families through career success.
Thursday, March 12
Persistence for all who fear it is "too late" to start again.
Wednesday, March 11
Meaningful work that brings dignity to his household.
Tuesday, March 10
Joy for his wife as she witnesses his spirit renewed.
Monday, March 9
A successful transition into a stable, rewarding career.
Sunday, March 8
Steady confidence in the new skills he is learning.
Fourth Week of Lent
A Lawrence County woman is overcoming addiction and domestic violence. With our gas utility help, a job, and a home, she is focused on her sobriety and the goal of returning to parenting her children in a healthy environment.
Saturday, March 21
Continued protection of the home she has worked so hard to build.
Friday, March 20
The restoration of the sacred bond between mother and child.
Thursday, March 19
Favor and wisdom as she seeks to regain care of her children.
Wednesday, March 18
Deep healing from the trauma of domestic violence.
Tuesday, March 17
Success and physical endurance in her new full-time job.
Monday, March 16
Guidance along a righteous path of healing.
Sunday, March 15
Sustained grace in sobriety and protection from addiction.
Fifth Week of Lent
After an eviction, a mother and daughter in Allegheny County became homeless. We are helping the mother seek mental health treatment so she can feel confident in keeping a job and providing a stable home for her teenage daughter.
Saturday, March 28
Deepened trust and communication between mother and child.
Friday, March 27
Wholeness and healing for the mother’s mind and spirit.
Thursday, March 26
The blessing of a long-term home where they can thrive.
Tuesday, March 24
A sense of security and love for the teenage daughter.
Monday, March 23
Confidence to stay employed for her daughter’s sake.
Sunday, March 22
Courage to seek necessary mental health treatment.
Holy Week
A patient at our Free Health Care Center suffered extreme foot pain from worn-out shoes. His provider personally bought him a new pair. We serve those struggling to find proper attire for the miles they must walk each day in the city.
Saturday, April 4 (Holy Saturday)
Abundant resources for the Free Health Care Center mission.
Friday, April 3 (Good Friday)
A restored sense of worth for those who feel forgotten.
Thursday, April 2 (Holy Thursday)
Renewed compassion for healthcare providers.
Wednesday, April 1
Inspiration to practice small, life-changing acts of kindness.
Tuesday, March 31
Proper shoes and attire for all who lack basic necessities.
Monday, March 30
Safety and comfort as he walks the city streets.
Sunday, March 29 (Palm Sunday)
Immediate relief from extreme foot pain.