The lenten season began Wednesday with Archbishop Paul Coakley celebrating Ash Wednesday Mass on campus.

Preparing for the Ash Wednesday Mass is different from a regular school Mass, especially with the archbishop offering the Mass. 

For the Mass, it is required to prepare the ashes and have them blessed by the celebrant and for the ashes to be distributed. So, unlike a normal Mass the people process twice: once for the ashes and once to receive the eucharist. 

Campus minister Kelly Allen explained that the distribution of ashes is special. 

“One of the very cool things is anyone can receive ashes, even non Christians,” Allen said. “Even Catholics who’ve been excommunicated can receive ashes, so ashes are available for everyone.”

The ashes also have a significance in what they represent.

“It’s a reminder for us of the fact that we, we are a sinner and will return to the grave, but also, when they’re put on our forehead, they’re put in the sign of a cross,” Allen said.  “So it’s a reminder of the hope that we have in Jesus, so that sin is not the final, it does not have the final say.”

Within the lenten season, Fr. Rick Stansberry is incorporating a new spiritual opportunity into the week. Every Friday after school at 3 p.m., Stations of the Cross will be presented in the chapel.

The Stations of the Cross are a symbol of the season as they outline what Christ experiences. This helps to show what is being prepared for during this season. 

The regular spiritual opportunities are still available so there are many ways for students and teachers to encounter God at school this Lenten season.