Lent is the yearly celebration by the Church of its corporate conversion in Jesus Christ. During Lent, the liturgy prepares catechumens to celebrate the Paschal Mystery by the various stages of Christian initiation. It also prepares the faithful for Easter as they recall their baptism and do penance in preparation for the greatest Feast of the year.

Lent has two major purposes : I recalls or prepares for baptism, and emphasizes a spirit of penance. Through forty days of closer attention to God's Word and of more fervent prayer, believers are prepared to celebrate the Paschal Mystery.