Lent

F.A.Q. & SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

What is Lent?

Lent is a 40-day season of preparation for Easter that commemorates Jesus time of fasting and prayer in the desert. It traces its roots to the early Church, where it served as a time for those new to faith to prepare for baptism. “Lent” is derived from an old English word that can mean both “the season of spring” or “the period of fasting.” You can think of it as a purposeful "spring cleaning" for our bodies, minds, and souls. Rather than merely a time to give things up, its a spiritual pilgrimage where we follow Jesus into the wilderness to confront our own limitations and rely more deeply on Him.

What should I do during Lent?

Every Ash Wednesday the priest extends this invitation:

I invite you…in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent: by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and alms-giving; and by reading and meditating on God’s holy Word.

Practicing a "holy Lent" involves setting aside special time to examine your conscience and confess any unnamed sins to God. Some may also benefit from confessing to a priest, seeking both spiritual counsel and the comforting assurance of God’s forgiveness (see “Reconciliation of Penitents” in the schedule below). It also involves the traditional lenten disciplines of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. This may look like setting aside more time for the Daily Office (Prayer and reading Holy Scripture), abstaining from certain foods or luxuries to create space for God, and practicing sacrificial generosity toward the poor (This year we encourage you to consider giving to Open House Ministries or the Anglican Relief and Development Fund).

Rather than an obligatory and pious performance, observing Lent is something that should be done freely and in response to God’s love for you. This is an opportunity intended to reorient our hearts toward Jesus, helping us to die to ourselves so that we might more fully experience the joy of the Resurrection at Easter.

How does the Eucharist change during Lent?

  • We simplify liturgical actions and music, and provide time for more silence

  • On the First Sunday of Lent we pray The Great Litany and read The Exhortation (just like the First Sunday of Advent)

  • Unlike the rest of the year, we begin worship on our knees, moving confession to the beginning of the liturgy

  • We decorate the altar and clergy vestments with violet, a color that has symbolized penance since at least the 12th century

  • We fast from some joyful elements of worship until Easter, including singing the Gloria and using the biblical word “alleluia”

READ LENT: A ROOKIE ANGLICAN GUIDE TO LEARN MORE

Ash Wednesday

Wed. 2/18

  • TIME & LOCATION: 6pm @ 8100 NW 9th Ave

  • DESCRIPTION: Ash Wednesday is a reflective liturgy that invites us into the season of Lent through the "imposition of ashes," a tangible reminder of our mortality and our need for God’s grace. It combines ancient prayers of repentance with the celebration of Holy Communion, grounding our journey toward Easter in the humble recognition that we are "dust, and to dust we shall return." NOTE: no nursery or children’s liturgy this evening.

Admission of Catechumens

Sat. 2/28

  • TIME & LOCATION: 4pm @ 1309 Franklin St.

  • DESCRIPTION: During the Eucharist on the Second Sunday of Lent we set aside time for those new to faith to publicly declare their desire to follow Christ. These catechumens — youth and adults preparing for baptism and/or confirmation — enter through the church door after the Gospel reading and are prayed over and anointed with oil (a rich biblical symbol of blessing and deliverance from evil). This marks the start of their lenten journey that concludes with them fully entering the Christian faith, life, and community during baptisms at Easter and confirmations several weeks later on the Feast of the Good Shepherd.

Reconciliation of Penitents

Sat. 3/7

  • TIME & LOCATION: 2:30-3:30pm before worship @ 1309 Franklin St. in the choir loft

  • DESCRIPTION: While one can request to make a private confession with a priest at any time, the practice is especially encouraged during the penitential seasons of Advent and Lent. Fr. Mike will be available to hear confessions prior to the Eucharist on Lent 3. You can learn more about the Anglican understanding of this practice and how to prepare for confession here. In the words of Richard Hooker, “all may, some should, none must.” This is a rite of grace available to all, especially recommended for the few who need spiritual guidance and assurance of God’s forgiveness, but not required for anyone.

Prayer for Healing and Hope

Sat. 3/14

  • TIME & LOCATION: 4pm @ 1309 Franklin St.

  • DESCRIPTION: On this Laetare Sunday (Latin for “rejoice”), we celebrate that, even during the solemnity of Lent, the joy of Easter is coming soon. We commemorate this occasion by setting aside time for healing prayer. Following the Eucharist, our clergy will be available to anoint and pray for the sick in mind, body, or spirit. Remember the words of our Lord Jesus: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

SAVE THE DATES FOR HOLY WEEK (3/28 - 4/5)