The Great Lent

Lent 40 days from Ash Wednesday to Easter Symbol of the 40 days and nights Jesus spent in the desert it is a time of preparation and self-sacrifice through fasting, giving up worldly desires and activities Often times seen as a “Catholic thing” Recognized by most Christians Many now give ashes on Ash Wednesday

Traditions Fasting: A common aspect of spiritual life The Apostles often fast in the New Testament Jesus fasts in the Gospels Why fast? To remind us of our hunger and thirst for God Gain control of our body and desires rather than let them be in control of us

Fasting Should remind us of our unity with people around the world, especially those who are suffering Ash Wednesday: Fast and Abstinence Good Friday: Day of Fast and abstinence Every Friday of Lent: Day of Abstinence What is the difference between fast and abstinence?

Other Lenten traditions Almsgiving: Giving to the poor Prayer: Additional prayer Stations of the Cross Weekday Mass…

Tuesday before Lent Mardi Gras “Fat Tuesday” Last “hurrah” before Lent Historically may have been a late winter celebration to look forward to the coming of spring Also called Shrove Tuesday Has to do with hearing of confessions

Pancake Tuesday People needed to use up the last of the fat, dairy products, and eggs before the fasting and abstinence of Lent began

Ash Wednesday In the Old Testament a traditional way of showing repentance was to pour ashes over the head Early Church: ashes used for people who were doing public penance: Order of Penitents Now: ashes a sign of our repentance, but also remind us of our Baptismal call to avoid sin and repent Ash Wednesday Mass: “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return

Colors Purple/dark violet Remind us of the suffering of Christ Also the colors of repentance Good Friday: Red- reminds us of Jesus shedding His blood for us

Holy Week – high lights Holy Thursday Beginning of the Triduum Celebrate the last Supper, washing of the feet Good Friday – remember the crucifixion – No Mass is allowed Holy Saturday – the only Mass allowed is the Easter Vigil When new members are brought into the Church

Easter customs The coloring of "Easter eggs" originated from the legend that Mary Magdalane was bringing cooked eggs to share with the other women at the tomb of Christ - When Mary saw Jesus, the eggs in her basket turned brilliant red. So, the true meaning of dyeing Easter eggs is to show forth the miraculous transformation and re-creation of the whole world by the victorious resurrection of Christ. The origin of the "Easter basket" : The faithful, having fasted and abstained from meats, eggs, and dairy products throughout all of Great Lent, would bring baskets of these festive foods to church on Easter Sunday. There the priests would bless the baskets after Mass and the people would share their foods with one another and the poor in a true "break-fast."

Traditions of Easter Even Spring cleaning is found in the tradition of the Eastern Churches. During the great week before Pascha the faithful would clean their homes with special care and attention so that no imperfection however slight would mar the purity of the Resurrection. In Eastern Europe all the contents of the house would be brought outside and the building would be scrubbed from top to bottom inside and out.