“…before the current prayer book, the three Sundays before Ash Wednesday were called Septuagesima, Sexagesima, and Quinquagesima, and together formed a small season referred to as ‘Pre-Lent,’ or ‘Shrovetide.’…purpose was for the Christian to be given time…to compose him or herself in anticipation of the Ash Wednesday fast and the weeks of making ready for Easter. Thus for many Christians, the experience of Ash Wednesday can be of being thrust suddenly into language and liturgy of deep confession and sorrow, or guilt and shame, without psychological readiness for it…For that reason the Mid-Hudson Lenten reflection for this year is schedules for the week before Lent begins, …to help us to quiet ourselves and ready ourselves for the spiritual accountability which the church will ask of us on Ash Wednesday….”
There is no charge for this program, but the diocese need an idea of how many people will be attending so they may prepare. Please let Su (876-2533) know by 10:00 AM Monday morning, Feb. 8th if you will be attending so she can pass the numbers on to the diocese. Thank you.