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LENT 2014
Why 40 days?
40 is a significant number in Jewish-Christian scripture:
• In Genesis, the flood which destroyed the earth was brought about by 40 days and nights of rain.
• The Hebrews spent 40 years in the wilderness before reaching the land promised to them by God.
• Moses fasted for 40 days before receiving the ten commandments on Mount Sinai.
• Jesus spent 40 days fasting in the wilderness in preparation for his ministry.
Most Christians regard Jesus’ time in the wilderness as the key event for the duration of Lent. Since all Sundays—and not simply Easter Sunday—were days to celebrate Christ’s Resurrection, Christians were forbidden to fast and do other forms of penance on those days. Therefore, when the Church expanded the period of fasting and prayer in preparation for Easter from a few days to 40 days (to mirror Christ’s fasting in the desert, before He began His public ministry), Sundays are not included in the count.
Why is it called Lent?
Lent is an old English word meaning ‘lengthen’. Lent is observed in spring, when the days begin to get longer.
The colour purple
Purple is the symbolic colour used in some churches throughout Lent, for drapes and altar frontals.
Purple is used for two reasons: firstly because it is associated with mourning and so anticipates the pain and suffering of the crucifixion, and secondly because purple is the colour associated with royalty, and celebrates Christ’s resurrection and sovereignty.
No ‘Alleluia’, no ‘ Gloria’ – and flowers are scarce! We remind ourselves visually and liturgically that we are about to celebrate the greatest moment in our faith – the Resurrection of Christ! Until then, in penance and prayer, we no longer sing with the choirs of angels; instead, we acknowledge our sins and practice repentance so that one day we may again have the privilege of worshiping God as the angels do.
ASH WEDNESDAY – WEDNESDAY 5 MARCH
Day of Fast and Abstinence.
Masses in Holy Cross at 7.30am, 10am and 7.30pm.
Mass in Our Lady’s Carbally at 7.30pm
Mass in Sacred Heart, Dunhill at 11am.
Ashes will also be distributed to students across our schools during the day.
TROCAIRE BOXES
These are available in the porches. Thank you for your continued generosity to those in greatest need in our world.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Every Friday morning after 10am Mass in Lent.
TUESDAY EVENING PRAYER & GATHERINGS
Each Tuesday evening in Lent, there will be an Evening prayer and reflection service for those involved in our ministries in our churches. It will be an opportunity to reflect and give thanks for those who minister in our parishes, and to discuss how we can enhance these in any way.
All gatherings begin at 7.30pm and should be over by 8.15pm in Holy Cross Church.
Tuesday 11 March: Ministers of the Word
Tuesday 18 March: For those going in the Parish Trip to San Giovanni Rotondo.
Tuesday 25 March: Ministers of the Eucharist
Tuesday 1 April: Ministers of Music & Choirs
Tuesday 8 April: Holy Hour with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament – for all parishioners and visitors. (Ends at 8.30pm)
Tuesday 15 April: Volunteers in the Parish Office, Parish Councils, Sacristans, Cleaners and Collectors.
CONFIRMATION DAY – SATURDAY 8 MARCH
Next Saturday Very Rev. William Canon Ryan, PP Dungarvan, will celebrate the Confirmation Mass of our students from Holy Cross and Glor na Mara. This is a very important day in the lives of these boys and girls, and a huge amount of preparation has been done by their parents, their teachers, and the parish to prepare them for this sacrament.
The Mass begins at 11.30am. (There will be 10am Mass as usual.)
Please remember them all in your prayers at this special time.
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