On Wednesday, February 17, Lent begins with the observance of Ash Wednesday.

Lent is a 40-day period of renewal beginning with Ash Wednesday and ending with the celebration of the Great Three Days: a single three-day observance with services on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Vigil of Easter.

The renewal of Lent is a matter of focusing attention on and developing discipline. For Christians, discipline is the practice of discipleship; that is, following Jesus in works of love, piety, and devotion.

Engaging in the discipline of Lent may mean we have to curtail, or give up, some regular activity. But the virtue is not in giving something up, but in redirecting our lives along the lines of Jesus’ way of life.

Ash Wednesday is the most solemn day of the liturgical year. The color is black, the color of ashes. A Eucharist will be held at 7:30 p.m. The Imposition of Ashes will be available for those who desire it. The meaning of placing ashes on our foreheads is given in the words spoken when the ashes are applied. “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.” Our Lenten discipline begins with the remembrance of our mortality.

For additional information, click on one of the links below:

FAQ's About Lenten Discipline

Suggestions for Lenten Discipline

Prayers to go with Your Lenten Calendar