The sight of paczkis at your local grocery store on Tuesday will quickly be replaced by ashes on the foreheads of your friends, family and neighbors on Wednesday.
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, the 40-day liturgical season when Christians observe a time of spiritual reflection before the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Pastor Joel McKenney of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church believes the pace of family life has made it hard for many to fully participate in the Lenten season, whether through special services, community meals or other activities. He hopes families take time to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and what it means for their sins to be forgiven.
The area’s Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod congregations, which include several in Door and Kewaunee counties, will once again hold their Lenten sermon series, during which pastors rotate among churches to share their messages. You can consult with your local churches to see when they are hosting Ash Wednesday services.
Lent concludes with Easter on April 5.
The next 40 days will also feature holidays for other world religions, including Islam’s Ramadan, Feb. 17–March 19, and Judaism’s Passover, April 1–9.
