Creative Ways for Campus Ministers to Embrace Lent: Fun & Meaningful Ideas for Spiritual Renewal

Rosie Chinea Shawver

Executive Director, CCMA

Lent is a season of renewal, but as campus ministers, it can often feel like we are so busy preparing for others that we forget to nurture our own spiritual growth. With the demands of ministry, staying rooted in Christ during this time requires intentionality—but that doesn’t mean it has to be routine or monotonous! If you’re looking for ways to embrace the Lenten season in a fresh and meaningful way, I’ve put together some fun and unique ideas specifically for college campus ministers. Whether you’re seeking a new prayer practice, a creative way to fast, or a service challenge that brings joy, these ideas will help you journey through Lent with purpose.

Prayer & Spiritual Growth

  1. "Silent Mornings" Challenge – Start each morning in complete silence (no phone, music, or news) for 15 minutes of prayer or reflection.

  2. "Desert Day" Retreat – Take a personal half-day retreat with just a Bible, journal, and no distractions.

  3. Lectio Walks – Pray with Scripture while taking a quiet nature walk around campus.

  4. Pray the Stations of the Cross in a Different Way – Try a creative version: outside with chalk drawings, through music, or even a reflective photography project.

  5. Daily Gratitude Notes – Write down one thing you’re grateful for each day and put them in a jar. Open them on Easter!

Fasting & Simplicity

  1. Tech-Free Evenings – Choose one evening a week to fast from all screens and enjoy prayer, reading, or meaningful conversations.

  2. Simplify Your Wardrobe – Pick a capsule wardrobe for Lent and donate clothes you don’t need.

  3. Fasting from Coffee (or Your Go-To Drink!) – Instead, offer up the sacrifice and donate what you would have spent to a campus outreach or charity.

  4. Minimalist Meal Challenge – Eat like a monk one day a week with simple, unseasoned meals.

  5. No-Complaint Challenge – Go 40 days without complaining (or at least try!) and replace frustrations with a prayer instead.

Acts of Service & Community

  1. Write Encouraging Notes to Students – Send anonymous letters or sticky notes with affirmations or Scripture to students who might need a boost.

  2. Surprise Confession Trip – Invite students to join you for an impromptu trip to Confession with a fun outing afterward.

  3. Be a "Secret Prayer Warrior" – Pick a few people (students, staff, or friends) to pray for daily without them knowing.

  4. Host a “Lenten Swap” – Organize an event where students bring extra clothes, books, or items to trade instead of buy—encouraging simplicity and community.

  5. Bless a Different Campus Minister Each Week – Send a small treat or note to another campus minister or priest to encourage them during Lent.

Creative & Fun Challenges

  1. 40-Day Joy Journal – Write one joyful or funny moment from each day of Lent to keep perspective.

  2. Fast from Negative Self-Talk – Catch yourself whenever you’re self-critical and replace the thought with a truth from Scripture.

  3. Random Acts of Kindness Bingo – Make a bingo board of fun ways to serve others (e.g., buy someone coffee, give a compliment, send an uplifting text).

  4. Give Up Multitasking – Try fully focusing on one task or person at a time and be present in conversations.

  5. Lenten Pilgrimage Challenge – Visit 40 churches or prayer spaces in your area throughout Lent and pray for different intentions at each one.

Lent isn’t just about giving things up—it’s about making room for Christ to work in us in new and transformative ways. As campus ministers, the more we embrace this season ourselves, the more we can authentically lead our students to do the same. Whatever you choose to do this Lent, may it bring you closer to Christ and renew your passion for the ministry He has entrusted to you. Praying for you on this journey! What’s one unique way you’re observing Lent this year? Let’s share and encourage one another in the comments!

Looking for fresh resources for Lent 2025? Here are some ideas of great new books, email series, and podcasts to share. Here are a few that might enrich your journey:

📚 New Books:

Cherished Belonging – Greg Boyle, S.J.

Hope: The Autobiography of Pope Francis

40 Days, 40 Ways: A New Look at Lent – Marcellino D'Ambrosio

Sacred Space for Lent 2025 – Irish Jesuits

📧 Weekly Email Series:

Catholic Extension Society - Weekly Reflections 

Best Lent Ever – Daily inspiration from Dynamic Catholic

Lenten Gospel Reflections – Bishop Robert Barron (Link)

🎙️ Lenten Podcast Series:

Fairfield University Lenten Podcast Series (Link)

The Bible in a Year - Start it During Lent - (Hallow App - subscription)

🕊️ Additional Resources:

Lent Pray40: Hallow App (subscription)

Virtual Lenten Weekly Video Reflections – Ave Maria Press (Link)

The Ultimate Gift to Lent from Fr. Mike Schmitz - (link)

What other resources have been meaningful for your Lenten journey? I'd love to hear your recommendations! #Lent2025 #FaithFormation #PrayerandFasting

Rosie Chinea Shawver