Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent where Catholics and other Christians wear a cross marked by ashes traditionally made from burned palms of the previous year’s Palm Sunday.

We wear the ashes to acknowledge that we are sinners in need of repentance and renewal.

Lent is 40 days long (not counting Sundays) to remind us of:

• Jesus fasting in the wilderness for 40 days.
• The Israelites wandering in the desert for 40 years before entering the Promised Land.

During Lent, we practice fasting, praying, and giving.

Fasting: choosing to go without something reminds us of our dependence on God.

Praying: growing closer to God by praying for forgiveness of our sins and to help others in need.

Giving: following Jesus’ example to share our money, time, or talents with those less fortunate.

Remember to not eat meat on Fridays during Lent as penance and sacrifice to remember Jesus’ death on Good Friday.

The Lenten road of reflection, prayer, sacrifice, penance leads to joy.