Many people continue to regard the season of Lent — which begins next Wednesday, February 14 — as a time during which they need to “give up something” for God.

Many others are carefully contemplating their Lenten activities and plans with an eye toward changing and strengthening their faith practices.

Fr. Mike Schmitz, chaplain for Newman Catholic Campus Ministry at the University of Minnesota–Duluth and director of the Office of Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Duluth, discusses in a video how people should go about deciding what they’re doing for Lent, this year and every year.

“In this video, Fr. Mike explains how prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are the three pillars of a spiritually fruitful Lent. He then challenges us to try new ways to exercise these Lenten practices, sharing several simple strategies for drawing closer to God during this holy season,” reads the video description.

Check out his video below — and his advice for the faithful.

[lz_third_party includes=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qDG51cl9gY”]

Related: Why This Priest Won’t Give Up ‘Alexa’ for Lent

Fr. Mike Schmitz’s video series is courtesy of Ascension Presents.