[ RELIGION ]
Events prepare for
the season of Lent
Many island Christian churches will hark back to centuries-old customs next week as they begin the season of Lent, a period of spiritual preparation for the greatest Christian holiday, Easter.
Special sessions of meditative prayer are planned, alms-giving for the needy is organized and fasting is practiced in various forms. It begins with Ash Wednesday, when foreheads of the faithful will be marked with ashes, a symbol of penitence.
But first there's Shrove Tuesday or Mardi Gras. Traditionally, it was the last day for revelry before the solemnity of Lent, and the time to use up rich foods such as butter and eggs before self-denial. Some events scheduled:
TUESDAY
>> St. Andrew's Cathedral, Queen Emma Square. A pancake supper will be served from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in Davies Hall. Tickets at $5 are available by calling the office, 524-2822.WEDNESDAY
>> Calvary Church, 45-435 Aumoku St., Kaneohe, is combining the celebration. Takeout plates will be available from the all-you-can-eat pancake supper from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The Ash Wednesday service will follow at 7 p.m.>> First Christian Church, 1516 Kewalo St. Service will be at 7 p.m.
>> Harris United Methodist Church, 20 S. Vineyard Blvd. Services at noon and 7 p.m. A meditation service will be held at noon each Wednesday through March 31. Members will collect donations to benefit ministries to feed the poor.
>> Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1404 University Ave. The service will begin at 7:15 p.m. Lenten soup suppers will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesdays March 3 through 31.
>> St. Andrew's Cathedral, Queen Emma Square. Ashes will be imposed at Eucharist services at 7 a.m. in Parke Chapel and 5:30 p.m. Reservations are required for the 6:30 p.m. monastic meal.
>> St. John Lutheran Church, 1004 Kailua Road, Kailua. Worship services will be at noon and 7 p.m.
FRIDAY
>> Newman Center, University of Hawaii. Communal chanting of Taize prayers will begin at 7:30 p.m. each Friday during Lent. The candlelight service of sung chants and reflections is modeled on the ecumenical Taize monastery in France. Parking is available at St. Francis School, 2707 Pamoa Road, Manoa.
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calendars and events.
