[Happygal]

When we were growing up my Mam always encouraged us to do something during Lent instead of abstaining.

This year, I hope to get to Mass every day. (I've been pretty lax in my faith of late, and this might be a good opportunity to get back on track).

[Maximilian]

When we were growing up my Mam always encouraged us to do something during Lent instead of abstaining.

This sounds like a good plan, but hopefully it would not be instead of, but in addition to abstaining. Simply "doing something" might be a worthwhile charitable act, but it wouldn't qualify as "mortification" which is the focus of Lent. Here are 3 reasons for mortification:

1. To subdue our passions (pride, anger, envy, greed, lust, sloth, gluttony).
2. To make reparation for our sins.
3. To imitate Christ.