A Concord Pastor Comments: Pause for Prayer: TUESDAY 2/25

Many people are planning to go to church tomorrow to receive ashes.
And many people are thinking about going to church tomorrow to receive ashes.

Let's pause and pray,
right now,
for one another
and for all who will come to church tomorrow,
on Ash Wednesday...

Let's pray for a new beginning in faith,
a new beginning in prayer,
a new beginning with God...

Let's pray for a season of serving others
especially those most in need...

Let's pray for a springtime
of renewal in faith,
leading us to Easter
and the peace of the Risen Jesus...

Amen.

If you're planning to make Lent a part of your life this year, there's no better time to start than on Day 1: Ash Wednesday!

It may not be convenient to get to church on a weekday but part of what Lent's all about is letting go of convenience, a time to s - t - r - e - t - c - h ourselves beyond what we're accustomed to and to eXeRcIsE our spiritual muscles in need of a workout!

Remember: LENT is Spring Training for Christians!

Here are some FAQ's for Ash Wednesday:

1) What time are ashes given?
This varies from church to church and you'll need to make a call or Google your local parish on line.

2) Will this be at a Mass?
Ashes are usually given at a Mass but sometimes at a prayer service. (In my parish we'll give ashes at three Masses and at an afternoon prayer service especially prepared for children.)

3) When in the Mass are ashes given?
Ashes are given after the homily (sermon).

4) Can I just run in and get ashes?
You can - but I hope you won't! The liturgy offers us much more than ashes today. Come to church and sit for a while in the quiet and ask God to be with you and to help you through Lent. Listen to the readings at Mass and reflect on how they speak to you. Come to the Lord's altar to receive the gift of his life in Communion. At the end of Mass, leave with the confidence of knowing that you've made a great start on your Lenten spring training.