Lent Season Begins in Broadneck

This week launched the Lent season for Christians around the world, including those in Broadneck area’s local churches, who are offering a variety of activities and programs that allow their congregations to reflect on this important time in their spiritual journey.

The Lent season is the period of 40 days from Ash Wednesday to Easter where Christians all over the world prepare to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The time period comes from the New Testament, which describes Jesus spending 40 days fasting in the desert before the beginning of his public ministry.

Earlier this week, local churches held traditional Shrove Tuesday pancake suppers, the day before Lent began. The tradition comes from Europe, where making and eating such food was considered a last feast. The consummation of the ingredients such as sugar, fat and eggs are traditionally restricted during the ritual fasting associated with Lent.

During the Lent Season, St. Andrew by the Bay Catholic Church will be offering traditional Lent dinners every Friday evening, 5 – 7 p.m., as well as Lent activity sessions for kids through adults from 7:15 – 8 p.m. During this time, the adults will participate in a weekly presentation and discussion based on Ronald Rolheisers’ book titled “The Holy Longing.”

St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church will be sponsoring a Wednesday night series during the Lent season that begins with a light potluck supper at 6:30 p.m., followed by a program at 7:15 p.m. The program will use different media to explore topics such as the meaning of following Christ, sin and redemption.

will be offering contemplative prayer and meditation sessions for Lent at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays that will be guided by the book “A Clearing Season” by Sara Parsons.