Dear Disciples of Christ at Holy Spirit, St. Helen’s, and St. Mary’s,

Ash Wednesday is February 18th

Remember last year when I showed up bald on Ash Wednesday? People were asking, “Who is that priest?” Well, a part of me that cringed when the title, “Lent is coming,” came to mind for this week’s Bulletin letter. But, when I did a quick internet search, I found this graphic and realized I wasn’t the only one thinking along these lines.

Seriously, Ash Wednesday is around the corner on February 18th of this year. Just over a week away from this Sunday. On the parish level, we started planning our Lenten activities and devotions a couple months ago. On a personal level, I have been putting it off. Yes, I have been guilty in the past of sitting in my room on Tuesday evening, the day before Ash Wednesday, thinking, “It’s here! I better decide how to honor Lent ASAP!”

One of my seminary professors wrote a book called, “The Joyful Season of Lent.” Hardly a best seller, I admit. As students, we questioned the title. Lent is penitential in character, we said, how can it be joyful. He countered by telling us that Lent is a time of being purified and drawing closer to Jesus. The goal of Lent is something joyful. The joy of being more fully united with Jesus.

Lent has its early roots in the final period of repentance, purification, and preparation of those who were to be baptized at Easter. It was a time to become more fully detached from worldly distractions, false gods, and personal sinful habits they have rejected so to be welcomed into the Body of Christ at the Easter Vigil. In short, the rest of the Church realized that it was good for everyone to accompany or support those preparing for Baptism accompanied by the truth that they themselves had slipped and fallen short of their own baptismal glory. They needed repentance, purification, and preparation too.

This then is the spirit with which I invite you and myself to approach the coming season of Lent. Ask Jesus for the grace to look into your heart and identify the worldly distractions, false gods, and sins that separate you from Him. Repent. Wisely choose meaningful acts of sacrifice. Renew your commitment to Jesus especially by participating in Lenten Devotions and the Sacrament of Confession/Repentance.

But the night before Ash Wednesday…I invite you to gather at St. Helen for Mardi Gras! The hall doors will be open at 6:00pm. We will provide beverages including wine and beer. BUT the food is up to you. Our kitchen is being remodeled. So bring finger food to share! Hors d’oeuvres, appetizers, and desserts.

Everyone is invited to make or buy a Mardi Gras Mask. There will be a competition. There will be a competition for the Best Mardi Gras Mask, Most Extravagant Mask, Funniest Mask, and Best Youth or Under 18 Mask. It will be a fun and relaxed evening for the whole family. I hope to see you there.

Mardi Gras at St. Helen February 17th. Doors open at 6:00pm.

Love, Fr. Ian