Lent Begins

Around the world, many Christians celebrate the beginning of Lent today on Ash Wednesday. Lent is a season of fasting, almsgiving and repentence before the joyous celebration of Easter. The day acquired the name of Ash Wednesday due to the ashes placed on the foreheads of worshippers. As ashes are imposed on a person's forehead, the person administering the ashes repeats one of the following prayers:

Remember that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return.
—Genesis 3:19
Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.
—Mark 1:15
Repent, and hear the good news.
—Mark 1:15

Anyone may receive ashes in a Roman Catholic Church. Similarly, many other Christian denominations also allow ashes to be received by anyone. Catholics (and many other Christians) follow rules of fasting that include abstaining from meat and only partaking in one full meal and two smaller meals.

At Saint Peter's College, there are several opportunities for community celebration on Ash Wednesday.

Ash Wednesday Mass
12:00 p.m., Roy Irving Theatre
Rev. Stephen Hess, S.J., newly-appointed associate vice president for student life and development, will celebrate this Mass.

Ecumenical Prayer Service
3:00 p.m., Roy Irving Theatre
Cheryl Schenk, senior assistant director of admission, will lead prayer at this service. The Voices of Praise Gospel Choir will provide music.

Mass
5:00 p.m., Chapel of Saint Peter

Mass
7:00 p.m., Christ Chapel (Vet’s Memorial Residence Hall) If you are interested in attending this Mass, please contact Ginette for details at gholowatch@spc.edu.