As Campus Minister, I just wanted to share how we’re “celebrating” Lent, which begins tomorrow (Ash Wednesday) and ends on Holy Thursday (April 18)! I say “celebrating” because Lent is actually a pretty somber, stripped down time in our Church calendar.. It’s the Marie-Kondo-meets-Bobby-Knight season: we’re cleaning out our lives and pushing ourselves spiritually to be worthy disciples when Easter comes. 🙂 To prepare, we watched this video last week for a good visual of Lent, but if you’d like to learn more I have included resources below.

Wed. March 6: Ash Wednesday

Tue. March 12: Lenten Penance Service

Tue. March 19: Solemnity of St. Joseph – All School Mass

         (the only day in Lent for Spirit Day & Classroom parties)*

Mon. March 25 – Fri. March 29: Spring Break!

Wed. April 10: 10th Grade Retreat (w/ senior leaders)

Thu. April 18: All-School Stations of the Cross

Fri. April 19: Good Friday – No School

• We’re focusing on a “Take 5” prompt to enter into Lent at all times of the day (see attached picture): Five minutes for Scripture, prayer, a walk, and five acts of kindness, things you’re grateful for. The kids will see reminders of this all over the school, including the cafeteria.
• Every Wednesday – We sing the Divine Mercy Chaplet in Chapel at the start of each class period!! You are welcome to join us!
• Every Friday – We pray the Stations of the Cross in Chapel at the start of each class period!! You are welcome to join us!
• At Mass, we omit the opening and closing song to focus more on the sacrifice quietly.
• Each teacher has planned a new way to start prayer in their classroom that includes more Scripture and reflection.
• Each teacher has “given up” something in their classroom.. Taking down decor, only using one-color of whiteboard marker, etc.
• We are not doing any classroom parties or spirit days (leave those NUT cards for the Easter season) until after Lent.
• We will be doing a school supplies and sports equipment drive in April — led by our seniors — and donating to kids in our community! (more info to come)