Lent Begins with Ashes and Ends in Light

Lent begins with a simple yet profound sign: ashes on our foreheads. These ashes remind us of our frailty, our dependence on God, and our need for conversion. They are not just a symbol of repentance but also an invitation—to turn our hearts back to God, to walk with Him in sincerity and trust. And this journey does not end in sorrow. It leads us toward the bright light of Christ, who renews our hearts and calls us to deeper communion with Him and one another.

As we step into Lent, we hear the words: “Repent and believe in the Gospel.” These words are not meant to weigh us down but to lift us up. True repentance is not about dwelling in guilt; it is about rediscovering the joy of a heart that beats in rhythm with God’s mercy. The practices of Lent—prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—help us to realign ourselves with that mercy.

The Church proposes a long retreat for us. The spirit of Ash Wednesday extends throughout this season of reflection and renewal, until Holy Thursday. We are invited to live our Lenten journey as a sacred pilgrimage, a time of grace, a season in which we allow the Lord to reshape us, to refine our desires, and to deepen our sense of belonging to His Body.

Opportunities for Spiritual Growth in Our Parish

To help us embrace this season more fully, St. Peter’s Parish will offer a moment of reconciliation and reflection every Wednesday:

• The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available from 6:00 to 6:45 PM.

• This will be followed by Holy Mass, with a spiritual theme as part of our Lenten Mission.

In addition, every Friday, we will pray the Stations of the Cross together, walking with Jesus on His way to Calvary.

We are called to live this Lenten spirit deeply, allowing the Lord to transform our hearts. Lent is not merely a passage of time, but a journey of renewal: 40 days of preparation, 7 weeks of growing in faith, and the profound meditation of the 14 stations of Christ’s passion and love, leading us toward the Light of Easter.