For many Western Christians, Lent is a time of penance and renewal beginning on Ash Wednesday and ending on Easter. In 2024, Ash Wednesday is on February 14.

On Ash Wednesday, observant Christians of multiple sects attend a church service where ashes are distributed to attendees in the shape of a cross on the forehead. The ashes are intended to be a reminder of the mortality of humans, and they act as a symbol of the earliest celebrations of Ash Wednesday, where sinners would perform public penance by being sprinkled in ashes. The penitents would also be separated from the community and not receive Holy Communion until reintegrated on the Thursday before Easter, known as Maudy Thursday.

Ash Wednesday begins the Lenten season, “a time of repentance, renewal and conversion,” according to Burlington’s St. Veronica Parish.  It’s described as “an invitation to turn toward the Gospel to find renewed hope in the real self-sacrificing love offered by our Lord.”

During Lent, the tradition is for observers to fast in some way. The rules for fasting have changed over the centuries and differ among faiths, with some giving up meat on Fridays, some abstaining from meat, eggs, and butter for the entire 6-1/2 weeks, and some giving up a single item of temptation for the entire period.

Recommended Watching and Reading for Ash Wednesday

This list will grow as community members contribute. Send recommendations to hello@burlington.buzz.

We hope to add more to this section as more community members contribute. However, the Bible does offer much in the way of reading for the Lenten season. The Purposeful Mom suggests reading the Gospel of Mark, as it’s easy to understand and chronicles the ministry of Jesus. Share some of your favorite verses with us and we’ll include them below!

Where to Go In-Person and Online to Learn More About Ash Wednesday

Many local churches offer services for Ash Wednesday and throughout Lent, including United Church of Christ, Congregational, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, and St. Margaret & St. Malachy Catholic Churches. See below for some specific happenings.

Local Ash Wednesday Happenings

Below are just a few events happening somewhat locally to celebrate Ash Wednesday and the Lenten Season in 2024. Let us know if you have one you’d like to add!

• St. Veronica Parish, the churches of St. Margaret and St. Malachy in Burlington will offer the following services throughout the Lenten season in preparation for the Easter celebration.

  • Lent begins on Wednesday, February 14 with Ash Wednesday. Ashes will be distributed at St. Malachy Church during Mass at 9:00am, and at St. Margaret Church during a prayer service at 3:00pm or mass 7:00pm.

  • For the next six weeks the parish will offer diverse prayer settings of the Stations of the Cross at 3:30pm every Friday afternoon, alternating between the two church locations each week.

  • Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday March 24 and continues March 28 with Holy Thursday Mass at 7:00pm at St. Malachy Church.

  • Good Friday the Passion of the Lord is commemorated in a service at 7:00pm at St. Malachy church and the Easter Vigil will begin at sundown (approx. 8:00pm) on March 30 at St. Malachy Church. 

  For more information, please visit www.stveronicama.org. or call 781-272-3111 or 781-272-5111.

How do you celebrate the holy season between Ash Wednesday and Easter? What resources would help your neighbors and their children and grandchildren learn more about the significance of these holidays? Share your stories with us by emailing hello@burlington.buzz, and your story could be added to this feature!

What are you celebrating or observing? Let us know at hello@burlington.buzz!