We have entered the season of Lent. Therefore, we wanted to remind everyone of the meaning of the season, provide additional information of this important time of observance, and share some special thoughts from Fr. David Hebert, Chancellor of Sts. Leo-Seton Catholic.
Meaning of the Lenten Season
Lent is a period of 40 days where we observe penance, prayer, and fast in preparation for Jesus’ Resurrection. We reflect on our sins during this time and offer up a penance, as well as fasting from meat on Fridays.
Important Days During Lent
Ash Wednesday – February 27
Ash Wednesday is a day where we are encouraged to attend Mass and receive ashes as a reminder that we were born from dust and will return to dust one day. We are encouraged to fast on this day and refrain from eating meat.
Palm Sunday – March 28
Palm Sunday is the celebration of Jesus riding on a donkey entering Jerusalem. When attending Mass on this day, we receive palm leaves.
Holy Thursday – April 1
Holy Thursday is the day when Jesus had the Last Supper with His disciples. The sacrament of Holy Communion was first given by Jesus on this night. After the meal, He went into the garden and prayed after knowing he would be betrayed by one of His disciples.
Good Friday – April 2
On Good Friday, we are encouraged to fast and pray as this is the day that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and of His resurrection.
Special Lenten Message from Fr. David Hebert
Fr. David Hebert shares some words about the Lenten season.
How do we get the most out of the Lenten season spiritually?
“Lent is a time for us to all reflect upon our lives and to recognize that we are all sinners. None of us are perfect. We all have areas in our lives to work on to follow Christ in this world so that we may be worthy to follow Him to His kingdom. So, the first thing is to recognize our sinfulness.”
How should we approach this Lenten season?
“We so often look at Lent as a time to give something up, which puts such a negative take on the beauty of this season. I encourage people instead of “giving something up” to “do something for God.” “I will stop cursing for you God.” “I will go to Mass each week for you God.” When we do something for God it helps up to offer up our penance to Him who has withheld nothing from us. Lent is not about “giving something up” for six weeks. Lent is supposed to be a life-changing season for us. At the end of Lent we do not return to our sinfulness, but we rise to a new life like Jesus on Easter Sunday.
Observing Lent with Sts. Leo-Seton Catholic
At Sts. Leo-Seton Catholic School, we provide students with a strong Catholic education that allows for them to grow in their spirituality. Therefore, during the Lenten season, it is important that we help them to understand the importance of this season and how they can gain more from it by praying, giving, and self-reflecting.
Our mission is to teach students and families alike as Jesus did, building and strengthening a community of believers dedicated to serving others and providing a strong, nurturing academic environment. Want to be part of our Lion family? Contact us today.
