Our Lenten pilgrimage has begun! Lent is the period of preparation for the great and solemn feasts of Easter, beginning with Ash Wednesday and concluding with the start of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday. During these days, many Christians recall their own Baptism and walk with Christ, deepening their own conversion and commitment to building a Gospel community.
Catechumens — those preparing to enter the Church — likewise spend these days deepening their conversion experience, readying themselves to be reborn with Christ at Easter.
By long tradition, we mark this as a time of prayer, of fasting and of almsgiving. Here at Marquette, we have a number of opportunities for members of our community to deepen their Lenten experience, from daily Mass to weekly opportunities to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, to Taize, retreat and take part in service opportunities. A full schedule is available on the Campus Ministry website.
Finally, as a convenience for Catholic members of our community, we recall that Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are marked as special days of fasting and abstinence, and every Friday of Lent is reserved as a day to abstain from eating meat. The U.S. Bishops’ Conference has a concise explanation on their website.
Blessings to all during this sacred season!
Rev. Nathaniel Romano, S.J.
Assistant director of Campus Ministry for liturgical programs
