1.7 min readBy Published On: February 17th, 2015Categories: Features0 Comments on The scoop on Lent

The scoop on Fat Tuesday and Ash Wednesday

It’s Fat Tuesday, a hedonistic day to gorge yourself with food and drink before the kick-off of lent on Ash Wednesday so get it in today!  As for tomorrow, knock off the nonsense and get down to Lenten business of fasting, deprivation and possibly a little soul searching. 

If you are Catholic and in need of some ashes on Ash Wednesday, here is where you can get some: Gate of Heaven Church at 9am & 12noon, St. Brigid Church, 7am, and 6pm, St. Vincent’s at 12:15 pm.  If you are a City of Boston employee, Fr. Joe from St. Vinny’s will be at City Hall on the third floor mezzanine from 2:30pm-3:30pm

Lent Facts:

  • The 40 days of Lent that lead to Easter are considered the most powerful in the spirituality department. 
  • On Ash Wednesday you remember that ‘you are dust, and to dust you shall return’. 
  • As Christians, Lent is a time to reflect on our faith and to commit deeper to your Christian life.
  • As Catholics, meat is not allowed on Ash Wednesday and every Friday during Lent. 

Lent is the period we are compelled to give something up.  Things like:

  • coffee
  • sweets
  • pizza
  • soda
  • alcohol
  • social media like Facebook and twitter

In this situation, Lent is viewed as a way to get vices under control – a little bit of self-deprivation of things you really love.

Some people are motivated to go back to the gym or try yoga –  sort of viewing Lent as a second chance New Year’s resolution. 

But maybe, Lent should be viewed as a chance to get in touch with your more spiritual side – to become a better person.  A time to remember and seek out what is really important in life like spending quality time with family and friends or making time for yourself.  Maybe this Lent will be about your spiritual journey. 

Whatever you chose to do this Lenten season, we’d like to hear about it!  Let us know!