A Paczki – Photo by John Petty
By John Petty, Catholic Editor
Every year in the Roman Catholic Liturgical Calendar, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent. Preceding Ash Wednesday is a common Catholic cultural custom known as “Fat Tuesday,” where those who are preparing for the penitential sacrifices of Lent allow themselves one last day of leniency.
On the morning of Feb. 17, Campus Ministry celebrated Fat Tuesday by providing paczkis and coffee in the lobby of the Academic Building. Raspberry, blueberry as well as lemon were among some of the filling flavors. Students passing by were able to enjoy these treats and each other’s company. Additional paczkis were offered at Wege.
Paczki table – Photo by John Petty
Student Noah Morris enjoys a Paczki – Photo by John Petty
On Feb. 18, Aquinas College Campus Ministry listed two Mass times for Ash Wednesday: 12:15 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
“I am looking forward to Ash Wednesday Mass because it is a good reminder at the beginning of Lent,” said Campus Ministry Social Media Coordinator Trista Cridler. “We should be spending the season getting closer to Jesus and remembering that he loves us even though we are sinners.”
Lenten colors – Photo by John Petty
“Ash Wednesday is important because it is the kick off for Lent,” junior Tomas Rampe said. ”It sets the tone for a very serious time of reflecting and discipline, and growing closer to our Lord.”
Though not a holy day of obligation, receiving ashes is an important reminder for Catholic Christians of their imminent death, and the increasing awareness of the Kingdom to come. The ashes came from burned palm branches given out during last year’s Palm Sunday Mass.
Following the Mass, an announcement was made regarding communal penance. Every week for the duration of Lent, Aquinas College Campus Ministry will focus on a particular area of life to fast from. For the first week of Lent, abstinence from snacking was the chosen penitential practice.
The Saint 