Page 5 - Cornerstone Lent 2020

The Season of Lent Lenten Disciplines

In earlier eras of the Church, baptisms only took place at Easter. Persons who
were to receive the sacrament of Baptism (a “new birth” from “death to life”) were
WHAT DOES THE WORD “LENT” HOLY WEEK expected to fast and prepare during these weeks. Throughout the centuries, to
MEAN? Holy Week is the highest time in our get ready for Easter, Christians have adopted special Lenten “disciplines” to draw
The word “Lent” comes from the Anglo- church year, when we walk through the themselves into closer relationship to God.
Saxon word lencton (lengthen)—referring to events leading up to, and including, Jesus'
the time of year when the days grow longer suffering and death on the cross. Holy FASTING
as Spring approaches. Week begins with Palm Sunday, which A discipline might involve fasting, or giving up something. What is an
recounts both Jesus’ triumphal entry into indulgence or “distraction” that you could give up? Sweets? Soda? Bad habits
LENT IS A SEASON? Jerusalem and his Passion. Holy Week like complaining? Social Media?
The season of Lent begins on Ash ends with the Triduum (the Latin “Triduum
Wednesday and ends with Holy Week. Lent Sacrum” means “the sacred three days”). The
covers forty days, excluding Sundays. Since Triduum begins on the evening of Maundy
every Sunday is a “little Easter” celebrating Thursday, encompasses Good Friday and
the Resurrection, Sundays remain feast days Holy Saturday, and ends at sundown on
even during the solemn Lenten season. The Easter Day. Check the Lenten and Holy
five Lenten Sundays are followed by the Week Schedule on pages 21 & 22 for all
Sunday of the Passion (Palm Sunday), which the opportunities to participate in this holy DESTINATION: EASTER
ushers in Holy Week. season. TAKING ON PRAYER
Another discipline involves taking Lent is a great time to learn new Finally, come to Easter Sunday and
something on. For example, reading types of prayer. One prayer that celebrate the Lord’s resurrection!
THE SANCTUARY STAGES OF LENT a chapter of the Bible daily could be would be especially appropriate Share the joy of Easter with fellow

a Lenten discipline. A family could during Lent is The Jesus Prayer. It is parishioners, friends, and family.
gather together each night for a a short formulaic prayer esteemed Alleluia. Christ is risen. The Lord is
Bible story. Attend a service you and advocated especially within the risen indeed. Alleluia.
haven’t been to before or sign up Eastern churches: “Lord Jesus Christ,
for the Lenten supper series. Son of God, have mercy on me, a Lent is often called a “journey.”
INITIAL WEEKS MAUNDY sinner.” It’s just that simple! Maybe That means that at the end of Lent
OF LENT THURSDAY your family could pray that prayer in we should expect to find ourselves
the morning before heading out, in somewhere different from where
the car, or before supper.
we started. Our destination is
Easter, the promised land, the new
Every week in Children’s Chapel,
Lent is a good time to practice we say the Five Finger Prayer. It’s life given to us in the Resurrection
almsgiving – sharing God’s love in a good one too! Adding this to your of Jesus. By bringing Lent into our
the world – by giving back. Helping nighttime routine is a great way to daily lives, we give ourselves and
to serve the Hot Lunch at Trinity pray with your children during Lent. our families a unique opportunity
Episcopal Church on March 22nd to fully participate in Jesus' journey
PALM SUNDAY is one example of how your family FIVE FINGER PRAYER of love. Participating in the worship
HOLY WEEK GOOD can give back in Lent. Shopping I loVE You God! and disciplines of Lent can help
BEGINS FRIDAY for monthly food drive items, ThANk You God! this season come alive for all of us,

or participating in the Maundy I’m soRRY God! giving us the gift of more deeply
Thursday shoe collection are other hElP oThERs God! embracing the joy of Easter.
opportunities. hElP mE God!

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