Lent 2024 at Incarnation
I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent...
(from the Liturgy for Ash Wednesday)
Welcome to Lent: a holy season of preparation.
Lent is a time when we put aside what's unnecessary, what holds us back. We turn to God. We prepare our hearts for the mystery of Holy Week and the joy of Easter. Join us as we walk with Jesus.
Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, is February 14 this year. We'll have three services:
- 8:30 a.m. Ash Wednesday Liturgy: a simple, spoken Holy Eucharist with the imposition of ashes.
- 12:00 p.m. Ash Wednesday Liturgy: a simple, spoken Holy Eucharist with the imposition of ashes.
- 7:00 p.m. Solemn Liturgy for Ash Wednesday: a sung Holy Eucharist with the imposition of ashes, with music from the organ and Parish Choir.
Join us to journey with Jesus into this holy season of self-examination, simplicity, and preparation for Easter.
The Season of Lent
Lent is a six-week season of preparation for Easter. It began as a time when those about to be baptized at Easter, together with their sponsors, spent several weeks in prayer, fasting, instruction, and acts of service. Over the centuries, these practices were extended to the whole congregation as a way of preparing for the celebration of Christ’s death and resurrection.
Lent begins with Ash Wednesday and includes forty days, not counting Sundays. (As the day of Jesus’ resurrection, Sunday is not a fast day.) Traditional practices for Lent include alms (giving money to others); fasting (eating more simply and refraining from certain foods or meals, often paired with giving away what would have been spent); and taking on a practice of daily prayer or spiritual reading.
This Lent our 10:15 service is using the service known as Rite I, which reflects the older language and piety of historic Anglican tradition. Rite I’s emphasis on penitence and forgiveness is well suited to this season.
Lent is a time of simplicity and solemn joy. It is a time to deepen our reliance on God’s love, to turn away from evil, and to renew our commitment to Christ.
Lent comes to its climax in its final week, known as Holy Week, which carries us through the story of Jesus' Last Supper, arrest, trial, and execution--and to the mystery of his resurrection. Please see our full Holy Week and Easter schedule and plan to be a part of these great days with us.
