Ash Wednesday Lenten Reflection

By: D’Arcy Murphy
Photo Credit: Maddi McNevitts

This past Wednesday, the staff and students of Holy Trinity gathered in the school theatre to commemorate Ash Wednesday. This day of fasting and abstinence observed by Catholics marks the beginning of Lent, and those who participate mark themselves with ashes.

All four grades assembled separately in the theatre during periods one and two. The liturgies were led by Mrs. Harkin, the school chaplain. Students proclaimed the readings and reflections, and after distributed the ashes. Mr. Harkin’s period two repertoire class provided a beautiful musical element to the services.

Following the liturgy, presentations from Mrs. Harkin and Mr. Christie explained HT’s charity campaigns for this Lenten season. For the St. Vincent de Paul Society, period two classes will be given an envelope to fill with donations to go towards the Easter meals of underprivileged families in Oakville. Many of these families in need have been affected by cancer, multiple-sclerosis, and sudden unemployment. For Mom2Mom Africa, classes were also asked to raise funds and purchase a backpack for a child in Africa. Small, child-sized knapsacks (along with a toonie stuffed into one of the pouches to pay for shipping costs) would be greatly appreciated.

Many people are confused by the traditions of Ash Wednesday. The day following Pancake Tuesday (when all of the sweet and rich foods are consumed and cleared from the house) is the start of Lent, the forty day period before Easter. Lent is a time for prayer, charitable giving, and fasting. Typically individuals pledge to give up something (such as chocolate or social media) or promise to increase a positive action (such as prayer or donating money) during the forty days and beyond. The ashes worn on the forehead in the sign of the cross are a visual aspect that direct us to God and remind us of our need for Him.

If you’re still looking for a creative Lenten promise, look below for some ideas. By the way, you don’t have to be Catholic to make the most of Lent as a time to help others!

1. Pledge to do a random act of kindness each day (ie. hold a door open for someone, etc.)
2. In solidarity with the homeless, sleep on the floor instead of on your bed or give up your pillow.
3. Give your parents a break and cook dinner.
4. Donate your time to a charity (ie. Saint Vincent de Paul, Oakville Fairshare Foodbank, etc.)
5. Take only cold showers.
6. Don’t wear makeup.
7. Read instead of watching TV.
8. Go to the sacrament of reconciliation.