by Dominic Ramirez

The season of Lent is an important time to self-reflect and to discover how each person can better prepare their heart for the coming of Jesus, not just by giving something up, but by giving back as well.

5. Adopting from an animal shelter

adoptapet.com is a nonprofit website someone can use to find local animal shelters near them. Their website can be used to find local shelters with the specific breed, age, and species of pet they are looking for. Their site also has resources for those who want to volunteer or donate. 

Adopting an animal from a shelter is more beneficial than buying one from a pet store as a lot of the animals in shelters were picked up from off the streets or left by people who couldn’t take care of them anymore. When someone adopts from a shelter they are giving those animals a second chance at finding a home.

4. Checking up on friends

Something easy one can do is to make sure their friends are alright. A lot of people struggle with their mental health, but having good friends for support makes a world of a difference. It could be as simple as checking in on how their friends are feeling or reminding them that they are there for them, little acts of kindness can go a long way. As it is written in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, “So continue encouraging each other and building each other up, just like you are doing already.”

3. Helping out the church

Getting involved with one’s local church is a great way to serve God during Lent. Someone interested can speak to a priest or church official about becoming a lector, usher or altar server for their local parish. Helping out with mass is a great way to help out one’s community while also growing closer to god.

St Dominic Savio church will be holding confessions this Saturday from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m.

2. Volunteering

The Surfrider Foundation is a nonprofit organization that focuses on ocean conservation. Volunteer opportunities and events such as beach clean-ups and activism meetings are open to the public. Through their website, one can find out when and where events are being held.

Meals on Wheels America and Feeding America are also two nonprofits that are looking for volunteers. Both organizations specialize in feeding the less fortunate, volunteers are assigned jobs such as delivering meals to people in need and as well as working at food banks. 

1. Donating to charity   

Giving money to a charity is one of the most common ways people give back during lent. Giving money to a charitable organization can provide help on a scale that would be too difficult for just one person. 

Doctors Without Borders and American Red Cross are two large nonprofit organizations that take online donations through their websites. Giving even a little can help make a difference in places around the world. Both Doctors Without Borders and American Red Cross are helping in places such as Ukraine, Afghanistan and Iraq, and giving money to organizations like these can help provide aid in places that may feel too far away to help.