Yes, it’s Lent again. This Wednesday begins that holy season of fasting, prayer, and works of charity. We have so many opportunities in our parishes and communities to make this truly a graced time.

Mardi Gras. Don’t forget the old Catholic custom of celebrating before the fast. Throw the party, have the big meal, and do something fun this coming Tuesday. Ashes. Check the schedules for our worship sites and those of other parishes.

Confessions. Again, take a look at the many chances we have to experience God’s mercy—all through the weeks of Lent, concluding with our deanery Penance Service here at St. Boniface on the Wednesday of Holy Week.

Road to Resurrection. An old idea with a new twist. Save those Wednesday evenings for Adoration and Evening Prayer at our deanery churches. Make those nights a time for prayer and community.

Rice Bowl. We responded well to this initiative last Lent. So many, many people were fed and clothed and housed because we kept that box on our kitchen tables and made our sacrifices. Continue to see and respond to Christ in the hungry and homeless. Join us for a soup and bread meal on March 1.

Stations of the Cross. Check the schedule to see where we are. 5:30 p.m. Friday evenings—except for March 15, our PREP students Living Stations at 7 p.m.

Tenebrae. A musical lead-in to Holy Week on March 17, with reflections on the Lord’s Passion at 4 p.m. at St Boniface.

Holy Week. Check out the schedule—expanded this year to offer additional times of prayer as we accompany the Church in reflecting on the Lord’s passion, death, and resurrection.