Lent is a big deal for all Christians, especially Catholics. While the severe Lenten fasts of yesteryear have been considerably eased, this remains a serious time of penance and preparation for the glory of Easter morning.

But, there's no rule saying you can't have some fun along the way.

Welcome to CATHOLIC CENTRAL

CATHOLIC CENTRAL, produced in the Family Theater Productions studio on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, California, is a short-form series (6- to 9-minute episodes) that, since 2017, has been looking at a broad variety of Catholic topics with facts and fun.

Starting with hosts Kai and Libby, and now with additional hosts Nick and Gabby, the show covers doctrine, history, culture, Sacraments and more.

Also, there are episodes dealing specifically with Lenten subjects, and some new episodes coming out during the period.

All can be found at CatholicCentral.com, and at our YouTube Channel.

Here's a peek:

Ash Wednesday

We've just passed Ash Wednesday, but we do have two mini-episodes, if you want a quick refresher:

The Transcendentals, the Liturgical Year and Lent Itself

On Friday, Feb. 24, we launched a new episode called Truth, Beauty and Goodness, looking at the transcendent ideas that infuse our Faith. They're important not only during Lent, but all through the year.

To understand Lent in the context of The Liturgical Year, try this:

There's also a whole episode devoted to Lent alone, which you can drop in on at any time.

If you've only got a couple of minutes, and your Lenten sacrifices are weighing you down, there's this extended outtake from Lent, called Kai's Lenten Meltdown.

Lenten Holidays

Come March 17, celebrate a great Irish saint with St. Patrick's Day.

Next up, on March 19, is the Solemnity of St. Joseph, whom we like to think of as God's "Yes Man." St. Joseph begins with a bit of an action-movie vibe.

On March 25 is the Solemnity of the Annunciation, marking when the Archangel Gabriel appears to the Virgin Mary to announce that she would bear the Son of God.

We've got a new episode coming up called The Annunciation, currently scheduled to launch March 10, dealing with just that.

Holy Week

At last, we get to Holy Week itself. We don't have an episode (yet) for Palm Sunday, we do have one for Good Friday and another that deals with Easter Traditions.

Bonus Content

We all have difficulties during Lent, so if you need some help with Prayer, we got you.

Lastly, if Easter Sunday is the first time you'll be going to church in a while (don't be embarrassed, more than happy to have you), here's a quick refresher of The Mass, with color commentary.

Have a Blessed Lent!

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