Lent begins
Lent and Easter are significant seasons in the liturgical calendar as we follow Jesus through his suffering and death to new life.
Lent begins today, Ash Wednesday, and lasts for forty days (excluding Sundays) ending at midnight on Easter Saturday, 11 April.
Some people fast, eat frugally or give up treats following the example of Jesus, who fasted for forty days in the wilderness.
People also give to charity, set aside time to study the bible and meet with other Christians to reflect on Jesus’ life and prepare for the events of Holy Week and Easter.
A Prayer for Lent
Holy God
Our lives are laid open before you:
rescue us from the chaos of sin
and through the death of your Son
bring us healing and make us whole
in Jesus Christ our Lord
Amen
Ash Wednesday Services
We invite you to begin this season at an Ash Wednesday penitential service in your local parish or in one of our cathedrals.
Belfast Cathedral
Services include the optional imposition of ashes
8.30 am Holy Communion (Order 2 – Prayer 1) in the Chapel of Unity
1.00 pm Holy Communion (Order 2 – Prayer 3) in the Chapel of Unity
5.30 pm Choral Eucharist in the Cathedral
Down Cathedral
1.00 pm Holy Communion with optional imposition of ashes.
Dromore Cathedral
7.30 pm a short reflective service
Prayer from churchofengland.org