Bishop Richard J. Malone wears purple vestments during Ash Wednesday services. The color purple is a symbol of penance and the color garment Jesus wore during his passion. It is a fitting color for us to maintain during the days in which we focus on our own reality of sin.

WASHINGTON—A variety of resources to help Catholics observe Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday, this year February 18, is being provided by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

With the theme "Raise Up. Sacrifice. Offer," resources include video reflections on Lenten themes, a downloadable Lenten calendar with quotes from Pope Francis' Message for Lent and other teachings and suggestions for taking an active approach to the three traditional pillars of Lenten observance: prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

Catholics are encouraged to raise up the needs of the world in prayer, to sacrifice by giving up food and material wants, and to offer time, talent and treasure as good stewards of their God-given gifts.

The website also includes facts about saints whose feast days or memorials fall within Lent, a reflection on fasting and information on rediscovering the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation.