From the Rector: The Shape of Lent

27 FEBRUary 2025

Last Sunday at the Rector's Forum I presented our parish Shape of Lent booklet. If you were not able to attend, copies have been placed in the Parish Hall and the Church, and you may also download the document from the church website.

The Shape of Lent has been a labor of love of some parishioners since last summer. The document provides daily scripture readings from the Psalms and the Gospel of Saint Luke, and it invites us into weekly fasting throughout Lent, as well as feasting on St. Joseph Day, the Annunciation, and Eastertide. Some of us have admired how other Anglo-Catholic churches have provided such guidance for their people, and we have been eager to provide similar pastoral and spiritual care for St. Mark's during Lent.

It has been my experience as a priest that people often desire to fast for Lent, but they need direct guidance if they are to do so. People also need others to support them and share in the journey. For those who choose to engage the fasting outlined in our Shape of Lent booklet, you will be fortunate to have others doing the same spiritual disciplines. We even have a parish WhatsApp group for mutual support!

Everyone was so responsive to the booklet on Sunday, and the desire for keeping a Holy Lent is clearly present at St. Mark's. Lent is the perfect time to re-ignite intentionality regarding the faith. Just the fact that so many are preparing during these weeks of Gesimatide is a sure sign that the Holy Spirit is working within the congregation.

Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, March 5, and High Mass with the Imposition of Ashes will be celebrated at 7:00 pm. As is our custom, Stations of the Cross and Benediction will be offered every Friday during Lent at 6:00 pm, beginning on March 7.  

Father Paul Lillie +