If you're thinking: "...refresh my memory, what exactly is Lent?" don't despair. Here's a crash course in what Catholics do and how they do it during the 40 days of Lent.

Lent, the 40-day period before Easter, happens in the springtime when new life appears after the deadness of winter. It's a time when Christians get ready to spring to new life, too, as they slough off the past year's less-than-Christian mistakes and wrongdoings. During Lent, Christians remember the times they've failed to do and be their best for Jesus and they humbly ask for forgiveness and then anxiously wait for renewal. Lent is like a long New Year's Eve for Christians; it's a chance to reflect on the shortcomings of the year past and a time to get excited about the fresh start which is about to come.

During Lent Christians remember how much they need Jesus and they thank him for his sacrifice. In preparation for Easter, Catholic Christians participate in rituals that purify their bodies and souls. Lent is a time of confession, fasting, abstinence, more prayer, more Bible and spiritual reading, and more works of mercy.

Confession: Lent is an ideal time for Catholics to meet their annual requirement of confession, since it is a time of penance and reflection. A wonderful resource to use when preparing for confession is the book "Looking for Peace? Try Confession!" by Mary Ann Budnik.

Fasting: Fasting applies to all Catholics between ages 18 and 59 and refers to eating only one main meal on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday with no snacks between meals. Two smaller meals can be eaten in addition to the one main meal, provided that the two meals combined are not as large as the main meal. Why do this? Fasting is a moderate mortification, a sacrifice, that reminds Catholics of their faith, the Lord and his sufferings, and their ancient Jewish roots.

Abstinence: Abstaining applies to all Catholics 14 and older. To abstain is to voluntarily agree not to eat meat on Fridays during Lent out of respect for Jesus' sacrificing his very own flesh for our sins. Catholics give up a little for him in order to honor the fact that he gave up a lot for them.

Corporal and Spiritual Acts of Mercy: Catholics are called to perform acts of mercy during Lent.

The Seven Corporal Acts of Mercy are:

1. Feed the hungry

2. Give drink to the thirsty

3. Clothe the naked

4. Shelter the homeless

5. Visit the sick

6. Visit the imprisoned

7. Bury the dead

The Seven Spiritual Acts of Mercy are:

1. Admonish the sinner

2. Instruct the ignorant

3. Counsel the doubtful

4. Comfort the sorrowful

5. Bear wrongs patiently

6. Forgive injuries

7. Pray for the living and the dead

During the solemn and hopeful season of Lent, Catholics will confess their sins, voluntarily fast and abstain, and be on the lookout for opportunities to do acts of mercy throughout their busy days. They will wait with eager hearts and joyful anticipation for the celebration of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and the message of hope that Easter Sunday brings. For more information on Lent, see this FAQ at AmericanCatholic.org.