Lent
What is Lent?
The word “Lent” literally means springtime, and comes from the ancient Anglo-Saxon root word “spring.” Since the Early Church, Christians have used this liturgical season to prepare for Easter. As the buds begin to open up around us in nature, Lent is an intentional time when we open ourselves to the Word of God and the work of God in our midst. Through prayer, contemplation, and authentic self-reflection, Lent calls us to align our lives with Jesus more and more fully and embrace the Resurrection Life into which Jesus calls us.
Lent last 40 days (plus 6 Sundays) - a reminder of Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness (Mt 4) and Moses’ 40 years in the desert (Exodus 34). Over these 40 days, many Christians take on a spiritual practice, like daily Bible reading, additional prayer time, or volunteering. It can be any practice that helps you focus on God and put his love into practice in your life. Others give something up during Lent such as sweets, smoking, alcohol, or swearing. Giving something up is a small sacrifice that helps you remember Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.
Ash Wednesday - March 2nd
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Season of Lent. On Ash Wednesday, we come together for a special liturgy to confess our sins and ask God's forgiveness. The priests will bless ashes and distribute them in the sign of the cross on people's forehead and say, "Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return." You can read more about Ash Wednesday here.
The word “Lent” literally means springtime, and comes from the ancient Anglo-Saxon root word “spring.” Since the Early Church, Christians have used this liturgical season to prepare for Easter. As the buds begin to open up around us in nature, Lent is an intentional time when we open ourselves to the Word of God and the work of God in our midst. Through prayer, contemplation, and authentic self-reflection, Lent calls us to align our lives with Jesus more and more fully and embrace the Resurrection Life into which Jesus calls us.
Lent last 40 days (plus 6 Sundays) - a reminder of Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness (Mt 4) and Moses’ 40 years in the desert (Exodus 34). Over these 40 days, many Christians take on a spiritual practice, like daily Bible reading, additional prayer time, or volunteering. It can be any practice that helps you focus on God and put his love into practice in your life. Others give something up during Lent such as sweets, smoking, alcohol, or swearing. Giving something up is a small sacrifice that helps you remember Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.
Ash Wednesday - March 2nd
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Season of Lent. On Ash Wednesday, we come together for a special liturgy to confess our sins and ask God's forgiveness. The priests will bless ashes and distribute them in the sign of the cross on people's forehead and say, "Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return." You can read more about Ash Wednesday here.