Dear Parish Family: It’s hard to believe that Lent is right around the corner, but it is! I am always intrigued about how other cultures celebrate the feasts and seasons, so I thought I’d do a bit of research. Did you know… ·In Denmark, the Sunday before Lent is called “Fastelavn.” Cream or Jam-filled pastry is eaten and children dress up in costumes? ·The Monday before Ash Wednesday is called Clean Monday in Greece? ·The arrival of Lent in England is marked by making pancakes and holding pancake races? ·The Polish make various dishes of herring on Shrove Tuesday. ·Among Catholics in Jordan and Syria, fasting during Lent includes abstaining from meat, dairy, dairy products, eggs, fish olive oil and alcohol. (And we thing WE have it bad!!) ·In some parts of Germany, old Christmas trees are burned during Lent to welcome in spring. The most famous procession and passion play is held every 10 years in Oberammergau, Germany – a custom that dates back to 1633. Holy Thursday is known as “Green Thursday” and green foods are eaten. (Think salads, spinach etc) ·In Malta, the Wednesday of Holy Week is known as Drums Wednesday because the children go to church and drum on chairs to create the sound of thunder. ·Pancakes are eaten on “Fat Tuesday” accompanied by bowls of pea soup in Sweden ·In Italy, holy water bottles are distributed during Lent to bless homes. ·In Bermuda, families fly kites made of wooden sticks on Good Friday to represent the cross that Jesus died on and his Ascension into heaven. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday (March 2nd). What are your traditions? We are all used to “giving something up” for lent. How about instead of “giving something up” that we spread kindness? What if we used Lent to be more loving; to do nice things for others? Why not use Lent to slow down and be mindful of the daily miracles that God presents to us? Look for them. Be thankful for them. If you really want to “give” something - search the gifts within YOU. What gifts have you been blessed with? Why not identify your God-given gifts — and SHARE THEM! To learn everything you wanted to know about Lent, please visit our website https://sacredhearthopedale.org/lent. Pam Chaplin