Clean up after yourself this Lent.Many years ago, as a youngster, I was always puzzled by the church's celebration of Ash Wednesday Ash Wednesday, in the Western Church, the first day of Lent, being the seventh Wednesday before Easter. On this day ashes are placed on the foreheads of the faithful to remind them of death, of the sorrow they should feel for their sins, and of the necessity of . Immediately after proclaiming the gospel's dire warning not to look dismal or to disfigure disfigure v. to cause permanent change in a person's body, particularly by leaving visible scars which affect a person's appearance. In lawsuits or claims due to injuries caused by another's negligence or intentional actions, such scarring can add considerably to one's face when fasting (Matt. 6:16) and its admonition Any formal verbal statement made during a trial by a judge to advise and caution the jury on their duty as jurors, on the admissibility or nonadmissibility of evidence, or on the purpose for which any evidence admitted may be considered by them. rather to wash and anoint a·noint tr.v. a·noint·ed, a·noint·ing, a·noints 1. To apply oil, ointment, or a similar substance to. 2. To put oil on during a religious ceremony as a sign of sanctification or consecration. 3. one's face in times of penance, the priest immediately proceeded to smudge and soil the foreheads of everyone in church. And out we marched, proud to proclaim to the whole world that we were taking this Lenten business very seriously, even if no one else did. It seemed such a blatant contradiction, even to a youngster like myself, and almost a deliberate act of defiant disobedience to the very gospel we had just heard. Only years later, after a few decades of liturgical experience and pastoral practice, did I discover a fresh approach and a deeper significance for that ritual sequence. Lent is a season for the entire church, as well as a call to individual conversion and renewal. Lent is primarily a time of grace for all of God's people. It is above all else a social reality. This may be particularly difficult for us as Americans to understand because we live in such an exaggeratedly individualistic society. Nevertheless, the fact remains that the whole church is called, each of us to the degree that we are members of the family of God. Consequently the liberal dose of very visible ashes - and indeed on the forehead, the precise spot anointed "Anointed" redirects here. For the process of anointing, see Anointing. Anointed is a Contemporary Christian music duo consisting of siblings Steve and Da'dra Crawford. Their musical style includes elements of R&B, funk, and piano ballads. with chrism at Baptism and Confirmation - signals membership in a whole people who all together promise to be different by Easter. Wearing the ashes proudly expresses one's commitment to do whatever it takes to shape a better world of charity, justice, and peace. For this purpose, my own inner efforts toward integrity and holiness are important, but so is my energetic work in the more social spheres of church and the larger community. Wearing ashes, then, is never an advertisement of one's private, individual, and personal penitential pen·i·ten·tial adj. 1. Of, relating to, or expressing penitence. 2. Of or relating to penance. n. 1. A book or set of church rules concerning the sacrament of penance. 2. A penitent. practices (in violation of the gospel's injunction) but a proclamation of the Christian community's joint resolve to be a clearer sign of Christ's presence in the world by Easter. Back in the late '60s, the renowned Canadian theologian Gregory Baum Gregory Baum (born 1923) is a Canadian Roman Catholic theologian. Born in Berlin, Germany, he came to Canada from England in 1940. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics and physics in 1946 from McMaster University, a Master of Arts degree in mathematics in wrote the fascinating book Man Becoming (Herder and Herder, 1970). The author suggested in one of the chapters that Lent was a time to develop new skills and abilities rather than merely mortify mor·ti·fy v. To undergo mortification; to become gangrenous or to necrotize. and deny the exercise of favorite pastimes. His point was to come alive in a new way as part of the Lenten journey toward the fullness of life. I couldn't imagine not spending at least a half hour a day in prayer over the scripture readings from the liturgy of that day, but that's what That's What is one of the more idiosyncratic releases by solo steel-string guitar artist Leo Kottke. It is distinctive in it's jazzy nature and "talking" songs ("Buzzby" and "Husbandry"). I do all year long. It's hardly a special Lenten practice for me. The sacrament of Reconciliation is an important element in my Lenten journey each year, too. I playfully say that we should discover a new sin each year. But I quickly add, not one we did before but rather a new element of selfishness or resistance to grace amid the things we already do, even those we presume to be good and decent. Sometimes it may be the motivation that requires closer scrutiny. At other occasions we may discover a sin of old-fashioned omission amid daily activities. In any case, the request for sacramental absolution absolution In Christianity, a pronouncement of forgiveness of sins made to a person who has repented. This rite is based on the forgiveness that Jesus extended to sinners during his ministry. during the season of Lent is a must for any active Catholic. My personal preference is to receive the sacrament as part of a celebration "A Celebration" was a non-album single released by U2 between the October and War albums in 1982. It is probably better known for its B-side, "Trash, Trampoline and the Party Girl" (later shortened to "Party Girl"), which has become a fan favorite throughout the in the parish where I reside. We are all sinners, each in our own way, no matter what role or ministry we may have in the church. For me as a bishop to seek God's forgiveness through the church's mediation - and indeed in the context of a communal celebration of the sacrament of Reconciliation - is a clear statement of a basic truth: we all need the effects of Christ's saving death and resurrection. I'm also pretty serious about fasting during Lent - even this year when I will have passed (at age 59) the strict canonical requirements for obligation. To do so merely to lose weight is self-centered and without much real Christian virtue. A better motivation is that of identity with the poor and hungry of the world and a chance to live more simply in this society that consumes far too large a portion of the world's food and resources. Back in 1983, when we bishops published our letter on peace, we promised to fast every Friday as a reminder of our responsibility to work for peace in this fragile world of ours. I've tried to be faithful to that promise ever since (without embarrassing a host or causing a scene when invited out). In Lent I try to keep that commitment. Some years ago I discovered a great Lenten project for myself, one which would unite the personal and social aspects of this marvelous season, as well as offer new potential for the vitality of a holy spring. Year after year, beginning with Ash Wednesday, I sort out and rearrange the contents of one shelf or drawer a day. Knowing only too well my backsliding back·slide intr.v. back·slid , back·slid·ing, back·slides To revert to sin or wrongdoing, especially in religious practice. back ways and the increasing pressure of my daily schedule as Easter approaches, I take the most difficult areas first. One by one, a day at a time, I burrow into desks or bureau drawers, shelves in my medicine cabinet, and bookcases. I save the glove compartment glove compartment n. A small storage container in the dashboard of an automobile. Also called glove box. glove compartment Noun a small storage area in the dashboard of a car Noun of my car until mid-Lenten lethargy hits hard, or until I discover that I missed a day and consequently require a couple of easier and quicker projects to catch up. Items never used are shared with others or discarded in some creative manner. Unused or outgrown Christmas gifts are recycled. In this fashion I imagine myself bonded to invisible and still unknown folks around the city. If it takes a whole village to raise a child, as the African proverb holds, it also takes a whole village to clean out my shelves. God's justice is extended to the wider world by such a Lenten practice. Moreover, memories are refurbished as I rediscover forgotten items and recall the folks who presented them; parents, relatives, and friends all come to life again in the process. All those people whose lives are interwoven in·ter·weave v. in·ter·wove , in·ter·wo·ven , inter·weav·ing, inter·weaves v.tr. 1. To weave together. 2. To blend together; intermix. v.intr. with mine become more vividly present. The discipline of daily housecleaning house·clean·ing n. 1. The cleaning and tidying of a house and its contents. 2. Informal Removal of unwanted personnel, methods, or policies in an effort at reform or improvement. becomes a renewal when extended over seven weeks. Letters and notes are quickly scribbled on the spur of the moment Adv. 1. on the spur of the moment - on impulse; without premeditation; "he decided to go to Chicago on the spur of the moment"; "he made up his mind suddenly" suddenly or at the end of the day. Old promises are finally kept. Even a few sore spots are reconciled and healed. If Lent is a time to come alive in a new way, this approach to the disheveled, Chaotic corners of my room is a great way to help make it happen. This year I decided to add two more small projects to the Lenten journey. I promise myself to make them simple because I know only too well the dismal results of resolutions that are overly ambitious or demanding - they only last a week. Inspired by the document on violence approved by our bishops' conference last November, I decided that I really needed to do something to lessen that particular scourge that surrounds and bombards us every day: violence in media. So I resolved to gather the telephone numbers of the major television stations in my area and to keep them close at hand during the Lenten season. Instead of complaining about the violence of the programs I may happen to watch, I intend to give a prompt call to the station whenever I'm confronted by scenes splattered splat·ter v. splat·tered, splat·ter·ing, splat·ters v.tr. To spatter (something), especially to soil with splashes of liquid. v.intr. with unnecessary violence or exploitative sexuality. Any effort to bring more order and respect to our world is worthy of Lenten energy, too. Conversely, if I happen to come upon a particularly positive program, I intend to voice my approval and support as well. I'm even going to recommend that parish bulletins include such information to ease folks like myself who live with lots of good intentions but never get around to the action needed to make a difference. Finally my second new resolution will be to pick up at least one piece of paper or trash from the sidewalk every day. Greater care for God's creation and penance for the mess we have made of it suggests that this would be a helpful daily reminder. I may not be able to eliminate all fastfood wrappers blowing in the gusts of early spring weather, but I hope to see the extent of this problem more clearly. Even the growing realization of how much trash exists in our neighborhoods is the first step toward a solution. I can never do any of these projects without being moved to prayer in the process. I become more grateful for the deeper blessings and beauty of life and more contrite con·trite adj. 1. Feeling regret and sorrow for one's sins or offenses; penitent. 2. Arising from or expressing contrition: contrite words. over my own selfish and thoughtless habits, which unfortunately I happen to share with the entire U.S. culture U.S. culture has two main meanings:
This year I promise to let the ashes summon me into a better world. If you see anyone with a dirty face, join me in a silent prayer that we can make a difference for the world. We lament a crucified Savior and celebrate a risen Lord together. Happy Lenten cleaning! RELATED ARTICLE: READER'S RESPONSE 1. Lent is the most important season of the liturgical calendar for me. 66% agree 33% disagree 1% other 2. As much as it can be difficult, I look forward to the season of Lent. 83% agree 15% disagree 2% other 3. I always observe Lent in some way. 96% agree 3% disagree 1% other 4. I do the following for Lent: 37% give up a bad habit bad habit Unhealthy habit Clinical medicine A patterned behavior regarded as detrimental to physical or mental health, which is often linked to a lack of self-control. Cf Good habit. . 22% give up a pleasurable activity. 48% pick up a good habit good habit Healthy habit Clinical medicine A behavior that is beneficial to one's physical or mental health, often linked to a high level of discipline and self-control Examples Regular exercise, consumption of alcohol in moderation–if at all, a properly . 53% stop eating certain foods. 37% participate in community or volunteer work. 77% attempt to deepen my prayer life in such ways as reading the Bible more often. 2% nothing. 7% other 5. During Lent I participate in the following: 17% Benediction benediction [Lat.,=blessing], solemn blessing usually administered in the name of God by a priest or a minister. The temple worship at Jerusalem had fixed forms of benedictions, and Christians have always given them an important place in ceremony, especially at the . 50% Stations of the Cross Stations of the Cross depictions of episodes of Christ’s death. [Christianity: Brewer Dictionary, 1035] See : Passion of Christ . 25% rosary services. 75% Reconciliation services. 5% other 6. I don't know Don't know (DK, DKed) "Don't know the trade." A Street expression used whenever one party lacks knowledge of a trade or receives conflicting instructions from the other party. what the church's official teachings are regarding Lenten observance. 15% agree 84% disagree 1% other 7. It's more beneficial to do something positive or productive during Lent than to give something up. 89% agree 8% disagree 3% other 8. People often give up things for Lent for selfish reasons. 46% agree 49% disagree 5% other 9. My Lenten observance is done simply out of habit. 17% agree 82% disagree 1% other 10. I feel guilty when I don't give something up for Lent. 38% agree 60% disagree 2% other 11. Observing Lent gives the Resurrection more meaning for me. 93% agree 6% disagree 1% other 12. When I do something special for Lent, I continue to do it after Easter. 46% agree 40% disagree 14% other 13. If I go back on my promise to sacrifice something for Lent, I give up and wait until next year. 15% agree 82% disagree 3% other 14. During Lent I make a point of attending: 37% daily Mass. 92% Ash Wednesday services. 87% Holy Thursday Holy Thursday: see Ascension. services. 82% Good Friday Good Friday, anniversary of Jesus' death on the cross. According to the Gospels, Jesus was put to death on the Friday before Easter Day. Since the early church Good Friday has been observed by fasting and penance. services. 60% Easter Vigil The Easter Vigil, also called the Paschal Vigil or the Great Vigil of Easter, is a service held in many Christian churches as the first official celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus. . 83% Easter Mass. 7% other 15. Ever since the Lenten regulations were eased after the Second Vatican Council Noun 1. Second Vatican Council - the Vatican Council in 1962-1965 that abandoned the universal Latin liturgy and acknowledged ecumenism and made other reforms Vatican II Vatican Council - each of two councils of the Roman Catholic Church , I have done very little voluntary fasting and abstinence. 40% agree 58% disagree 2% other 16. I feel closer to God during Lent. 64% agree 35% disagree 1% other 17. My Easter preparation makes me a more committed Christian throughout the entire year, not just during Lent. 86% agree 13% disagree 1% other 18. Lent is the time of year for self-reflection and recommitment re·com·mit tr.v. re·com·mit·ted, re·com·mit·ting, re·com·mits 1. To commit again. 2. To refer (proposed legislation, for example) to a committee again. to my Christian faith. 93% agree 5% disagree 2% other 19. I think the church should reinstitute tougher Lenten regulations. 16% agree 81% disagree 3% other 20. Fasting during Lent helps me to identify with the world's poor and hungry. 62% agree 34% disagree 4% other 21. Fasting is a way of making up for one's sins. 44% agree 55% disagree 1% other 22. I feel more a part of my parish when I experience true community during Lent. 86% agree 12% disagree 2% other RELATED ARTICLE: The real value in giving something up for Lent is: To remind ourselves that we have a very good life that most people in the world do not share. By giving up something, we distance ourselves from materialism and put ourselves, to a small extent, in solidarity with the rest of the world's poor and hungry. Dwayne Lanclos Dallas, Tex. To learn to control our passions and to do penance. Name withheld Chelsea, Me. It helps to discipline the body so you can discipline your soul. It is a dim reflection of Christ, who lost his life living out his mission here to reform us, to convert us, and to turn us back to God. Donna Acquaviva Gerrardstown, W. Va. Beyond childhood I don't know if there is any value in giving up things. I see far greater value in taking something on of a positive nature and, in doing so, channeling God's love for me to the betterment of my brothers and sisters. Gregory P. Stevens River Grove River Grove, village (1990 pop. 9,961), Cook co., NE Ill., a suburb of Chicago on the Des Plaines River; inc. 1888. Sports equipment and wire cables are made. , Ill. It is a daily reminder of our debt to Jesus. Mary A. Brown Bloomington, Ill. Self-restraint and strengthening myself. I firmly believe in the value of renunciation The Abandonment of a right; repudiation; rejection. The renunciation of a right, power, or privilege involves a total divestment thereof; the right, power, or privilege cannot be transferred to anyone else. in the spiritual life. Sister Marie Pillion pil·lion n. 1. A pad or cushion for an extra rider behind the saddle on a horse or motorcycle. 2. A bicycle or motorcycle saddle. Ottawa, Ill. Give up coffee, avoid gossiping, attend Holy Week services, participate in Reconciliation, take part in weekly soup suppers, and pray with my family. Faye Miranda Hayward, California Hayward is a city located in the East Bay in Alameda County. The sixth largest city in the San Francisco Bay Area, it is one of the larger suburbs of Oakland. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 140,030. The estimated population in 2007 is 155,312. The real value of Lent is between you and God - what kind of contract you want to make and how dearly you hold to it. Deirdre Hagstrom St. Paul St. Paul as a missionary he fearlessly confronts the “perils of waters, of robbers, in the city, in the wilderness.” [N.T.: II Cor. 11:26] See : Bravery , Minn. Make it be productive. Giving up a bad habit (such as swearing, smoking, or arguing) makes you a better person. Giving up candy may make you experience a little sacrifice, but it doesn't affect others; you can still be a crabby crab·by adj. crab·bi·er, crab·bi·est Informal Grouchy; ill-tempered. crab  bi·ly adv. old person and mistreat others but be fulfilling your Lenten duty. Diane Trevarthen Mayville, Wis. RELATED ARTICLE: I plan to observe Lent in the following ways: Read the Bible and religious literature, especially on saintly saint·ly adj. saint·li·er, saint·li·est Of, relating to, resembling, or befitting a saint. saint li·ness n. lives. Mary Neill Grand Rapids Grand Rapids, city (1990 pop. 189,126), seat of Kent co., SW central Mich., on the Grand River; inc. 1850. The second largest city in the state, it is a distribution, wholesale, and industrial center for an area that yields fruit, dairy products, farm produce, , Mich. Participate fully in my parish's liturgical and educational offerings; give up or abstain from abstain from verb refrain from, avoid, decline, give up, stop, refuse, cease, do without, shun, renounce, eschew, leave off, keep from, forgo, withhold from, forbear, desist from, deny yourself, kick ( favorite foods; and rededicate Verb 1. rededicate - dedicate anew; "They were asked to rededicate themselves to their country" dedicate, devote, commit, consecrate, give - give entirely to a specific person, activity, or cause; "She committed herself to the work of God"; "give one's talents to a myself to both spiritual and physical exercise. Marianne Spampinato Johnstown, Pa. Attend daily Mass as regularly as I can at a parish near my workplace and participate in a Bible-study group in my home parish or in a neighboring Protestant church. Peter Struble Newton, N.J. Prepare and participate more thoughtfully in our parish liturgies; overcome my tendency to be critical by being more affirmative and compassionate toward others; and cut down my reading time in order to spend time listening to others, especially the lonely. Francelyn Arnold La Crosse La Crosse (lə krôs), city (1990 pop. 51,003), seat of La Crosse co., W Wis., at the foot of high bluffs on the Mississippi, where the La Crosse and Black rivers meet; inc. 1856. , Wis. More disciplined personal prayer and fasting one day per week in addition to Fridays. I also hope to spend less time at parish meetings and more time with my family. Name withheld Indianapolis, Ind. I say the Stations of the Cross daily and attend church services. Elizabeth Schemke Highland, Mich. I give up something harmless that I really enjoy, such as nighttime television or snacks; I try to be more prayerful prayer·ful adj. 1. Inclined or given to praying frequently; devout. 2. Typical or indicative of prayer, as a mannerism, gesture, or facial expression. ; and I do the common Lenten observance abstain from meat on Fridays. Laura Decker New Windsor New Windsor is the name of several places:
RELATED ARTICLE: My family observes Lent in the following ways: We attend Ash Wednesday services, the Stations of the Cross, and Good Friday services. Each year we participate in a Palm Sunday Palm Sunday, in the Christian calendar, the Sunday before Easter, sixth and last Sunday in Lent, and the first day of Holy Week. It recalls the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem riding upon an ass, when his followers shouted "Hosanna" and scattered palms in his path. weekend retreat at Holy Trinity Monastery Holy Trinity monastery can refer to: In Serbia
David L. Bailey, Jr. El Paso El Paso (ĕl pă`sō), city (1990 pop. 515,342), seat of El Paso co., extreme W Tex., on the Rio Grande opposite Juárez, Mex.; inc. 1873. , Tex. We have a weekly family prayer service. We define what we have as goals for this season and evaluate how those goals are being achieved. Name withheld Devils Lake Devils Lake. 1 200 sq mi (520 sq km), NE central N.Dak., the largest natural body of water in the state. In an area of typically inland drainage, Devils Lake can range from a dry lakebed to more than 400 sq mi (1,040 sq km) in size, at which point it , N.D. We try to do something for someone who has nothing; we donate to our parish's Fish and Loaves Collection; we do not eat meat on Wednesdays or Fridays; and we have a family dinner on Easter Sunday after Mass. Name withheld Stratford, Conn. We pray at mealtimes and we have special sacrifices, including Friday fasts. Name withheld Silver Spring, Md. We use the prayer listed in the parish bulletin at mealtime. Name withheld Lancaster, N. Y. We participate in the sacraments of Penance and the Eucharist, and we pray the Stations of the Cross every Friday evening. Marianne Gildea Dallas, Tex. We discuss as a family the meaning of Lent and the Paschal Mystery ''' The Paschal Mystery refers to the suffering, death, Resurrection, and Glorification of Jesus Christ. People of Roman Catholic and Orthodox Christian faiths celebrate this mystery in the sacrament of the Eucharist. ; we prepare an Easter dinner to give to a needy family; and we color Easter eggs and make special traditional foods. Christine Lovers Bolingbrook, Ill. We make a point of eating meals together. We participate in an Ash Wednesday beans and rice dinner at our parish. Name withheld Conley, Ga. Our family partakes in a seder meal during Holy Week. We do the whole thing: lamb, unleavened bread, and harosis (bitter herb). We usually celebrate this meal on the Wednesday before Holy Thursday, and we attend all Holy Week services. Cindy Cicchirillo Twinsburg, Ohio Twinsburg is a city in Summit County, Ohio, United States, a suburban city about halfway between Akron and Cleveland. The population was 17,006 at the 2000 census. Geography Twinsburg is located at (41.324122, -81. RELATED ARTICLE: My parish observes Lent in the following ways: Scripture classes, a Lenten calendar of scripture quotes, a special parish project, and "Soup and Bread" sharing after the 5:30 p.m. Mass. Patricia Bercher Toledo, Ohio
Meatless potluck dinners on Fridays followed by the Stations of the Cross, Penance services, and Holy Week services. Joe Strauss Rancho La Costa, Calif. Stations of the Cross, Benediction, two afternoon Masses, a rice-bowl program, and Lenten activities in our Catholic schools. Name withheld Mitchell, S.D. Unfortunately my parish only offers the traditional church services without any real cognizance The power, authority, and ability of a judge to determine a particular legal matter. A judge's decision to take note of or deal with a cause. That which is cognizable to a judge is within the scope of his or her jurisdiction. of what adults, teenagers, and children need as a genuine Lenten observance. Ben Shafer Chicago, Ill. We have a blazing fire outside the church for the Easter Vigil. The congregation gathers around the fire to begin the liturgy. Fran Ludwig Lexington, Me. There are changes in music and in homily homily (hŏm`əlē), type of oral religious instruction delivered to a church congregation. In the patristic period through the Middle Ages the focus of the homily was on the explanation and application of texts read or sung during the topics at Lenten liturgies. There are additional opportunities for prayer and Reconciliation. Name withheld Winter Haven, Fla. Parish missions and group Reconciliation services with opportunities for private Reconciliation. Anne M. O'Hara Tampa, Fla. Fish fries on six Fridays of Lent and more attendance at daily Mass. Name withheld Franktown, Colo. Extra evening worship opportunities; annual Holy Thursday soup supper; special adult programs for spiritual enrichment; spiritual reading and activity materials made available; and parishioners' involvement with candidates for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (often abbreviated RCIA) is the process through which interested adults are gradually introduced to the Roman Catholic faith and way of life. (RCIA RCIA Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults RCIA Rite of Catholic Initiation for Adults RCIA Retail Clerks International Association RCIA Richmond Creative Investors Association RCIA Request for Clarity, Information & Assistance ). Name withheld Oregon, Wis. RELATED ARTICLE: My experience of Lent has changed over the years in the following ways: Moving from a mind-set of mandatory actions involving rules and regulations to a more relaxed yet profound and intimate relationship with Jesus. Lee Long Gladwin, Mich. Less sacrifice and more giving, a deeper understanding of the value of fasting, and more emphasis on Easter and the joy of being a resurrected person with Christ. Jim Ratigan Darien, Ill. I used to dread Lent, thinking only about what I had to give up. But now I love Lent as a time of real personal growth. Giving up things has a whole new direction and meaning for me because of some good discussion groups I've been part of. Lent is a time of conversion and renewed commitment to Christ. Name withheld Florissant, Mo. More social justice and less self-affliction. Name withheld Fountain Valley, Calif. I feel more comfortable trying to change myself permanently rather than just giving up something. Kathleen Murphy Pitman, N.J. As a child, I found myself silently questioning the pronouncement of mortal sin upon those who failed to adhere strictly and rigidly to arbitrary rules, regulations, and practices of Lent. Consequently over the years I've come to feel no obligation to observe any practices that have no objective theological basis or moral imperative. Keith E. Johnson Phoenix, Ariz. I don't think it has anything to do with my salvation. I no longer have to feel guilty if I forget a fast or abstinence day or agonize if I accidentally taste tomorrow's meat soup. Frances Bertoldi Florence, Wis. I realize that fasting and abstinence in themselves are not the essence of Lent but rather giving yourself in prayer and serving others and that the preparation for eternity doesn't cease on Easter. Name withheld Rochester Hills, Mich. The most significant change has been the awareness of and involvement with catechumens and candidates walking toward the sacraments of initiation The Sacraments of Initiation are those rituals by which one comes to be one of Christ's Faithful. Catholics According to Canon 842 §2 there are three Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist. at Easter. Name withheld Danville, Ill. Abstaining form meat one day of the week in addition to Fridays and trying to fast while keeping the hungry in mind, especially when I suffer hunger pains. Mary Jo Vondercrone Hatfield, PA Lent to me is now a time for review of what progress I've made spiritually and how I've been of service to others. This is a far cry from childhood Lents when penance was the theme. Sister Ethalee Mulhern Thibodaux, La. RELATED ARTICLE: The best Lenten preparation I ever experienced was: Parishioners putting their names and prayer needs on paper, and other parishioners taking a name and praying for that person all during Lent. This helps build a parish family. Anne Walters Kansas City, Mo. Making the RCIA journey as a sponsor and welcoming the person into the church on Holy Saturday night. Anita D. Everette Olney, Ill. Watching my children participate in the Stations of the Cross. Linde Raway Hastings, Minn. When I was working downtown, I made daily Mass during my lunch hour. Name withheld Dolton, Ill. Lent helps us understand the true meaning of suffering, especially in our modern world. Suffering has meaning, as it helps us identify with the suffering Savior and to understand compassion to others. Deacon John Cretaro Oswego, N.Y. The year after our only child died. Lent all of a sudden gave meaning to intense suffering and the miracle of the Resurrection. Annemarie Grimm Morgantown, W. Va. Serving Easter dinner at a veterans' homeless shelter. Michael Wills Mt. Vernon, Ohio Going through RCIA with my wife. Michael A. Nicholas Louisville, Ky. An Ash Wednesday service that got my Lent off to a good start. People came forward for ashes in families or other groups. One member of each group distributed ashes to the other members. This brought the challenge of Lent very close to home. Ross Beaudoin Independence, Mo. RELATED ARTICLE: The most essential meaning of Lent is: Dying to the old self and rising to newness; a sacrificial giving of self to God and others. Robert Angelle Lafayette, La. A time to realize the great love that God has for us in sending His only son to obtain our eternal salvation. Father Joseph C. Schwab Madison, Fla. "Love one another as I have loved you." Jack Harrington North Riverside, Ill. Renewal of our baptismal vows and accepting the meaning of salvation and responding to the call. Name withheld Foster City, Calif. A sense of humility. Name withheld Hewitt, Tex. Preparing the way for the Lord and making ourselves more acceptable in the eyes of the Lord In the Eyes of the Lord is 100 Demons' first album. Track listing
Jim Marcou Hales Corners, Wis. To reflect on the Paschal Mystery and its meaning for our lives today; to pause and evaluate our faith journey; and to make changes that will enhance our transformation into the persons Christ means us to be. Jeanie Kraft Bismarck, N.D. RELATED ARTICLE: General comments I think education is the greatest service a parish can provide its members. Many, if not most, adults have a first-grade mentality when it comes to their faith practices. Vatican II changed the rules and never educated the faithful in their new responsibilities. It created a sense of loss of direction. In order to love Him and serve Him, we must first know Him. Dolly Thompson Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. I do not want to get rid of Lenten traditions, but I wish people had a deeper understanding of their benefits. Lent should not be a list of things to do or not to do. It should be a lived experience of Christ's love for us. Tracy E. Yoes St. Amant, La. Lent continues to be a very important part of the liturgical cycle; it continues to invite us to start anew even when our spiritual progress seems to be at a standstill. Name withheld Des Moines, Iowa “Des Moines” redirects here. For other uses, see Des Moines (disambiguation). Des Moines (pronounced /dɪˈmɔɪn/ in English, I wish that I were better at doing Lent. Our family is very inconsistent with its observances. Lent simply doesn't have the spiritual resonance that Advent does for me. Claire Garcia Colorado Springs, Colo. As I grow older, I have tried daily to deepen my spiritual life. Thus, Lent does not seem to be the special time it was when I was young. I believe Easter is the highlight of the year, but Lent is just a continuation of my battle to live a truly Christian life. Name withheld St. Cloud, Minn. Lent brings me back to what is most essential in my life - time with family, friends, and God. Name withheld Columbus, Ohio We don't have set Lenten traditions. Each year might be a little different. But we do recognize and observe Lent and Easter week. Theresa Dorrell Spring Hill, Kans. I don't like Lent. It is a very depressing time of year. I prefer to think of the hope and promise Easter brings each year. Name withheld Des Moines, Iowa The meaning of Lent is what it leads up to - all the suffering and pain in the world is redeemed because there is a God who loves us so deeply to allow His son to die for us and our imperfections. Priscilla S. Miller Amarillo, Tex. |
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