Lent is the period of 40 days which comes before Easter in the Christian calendar. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, Lent is a season of reflection and preparation before the celebrations of Easter. By observing the 40 days of Lent, Christians replicate Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert for 40 days.Lent is marked by fasting, both from food and festivities, and from anything that separates us from God. It is a time to “turn back” towards Jesus and his Church, to grow in faith and love, and to prepare ourselves to celebrate the Easter mystery.Keeping LentIt’s a good idea to make a commitment to grow in faith this Lent. There are different things you could consider, such as committing to attend Mass every Sunday, or an additional weekday. You might also want to consider some reading or daily prayer. This year we offer: Together through Lent (available from St Michael’s): for families following St Luke’s Gospel; No Longer My Own (at St Michael’s): short readings for every day of Lent; A Covenant with God (at St Michael’s): more substantial reflections for Sundays.Ash WednesdayLent begins with Ash Wednesday, so called because a small amount of ash if placed on our heads as to sign of repentance, to remind us from death gives way to eternal life. There will be a public celebration at all our churches.Wednesday, 17 February9:30 am and 7:30 pm, at St Michael’s12 noon at St Lawrence’s5:30 pm at St Mary StepsHoly Week @ St Michael’sHoly Week is the most important week of the Christian year. It’s when every church becomes Jerusalem for the week as we follow Christ’s journey through its streets. At St Michael’s a “full” Holy Week is being observed. Put these dates in your diary!Palm Sunday (28 March)08:00 Mass09:30 30-Minute Mass with Blessing of Palms*10:30 Parish Mass with Blessing of PalmsMonday-Wednesday19:00 Mass with addressMaundy Thursday (1 April)19:30 Evening Mass of the Lord’s SupperSilent prayer will be kept after this Mass until midnight.Good Friday (2 April)10:00 30-Minute Worship*15:00 Celebration of the Lord’s PassionHoly Saturday (3 April)20:00 Easter Vigil*particularly suitable for young families Note: different service times on Good Friday.Holy Week at St Lawrence’s and St Mary StepsPalm Sunday09:15 Mass (St Mary Steps)10:30 Mass (St Lawrence’s)Maundy Thursday17:30 Mass (St Mary Steps)Good Friday13:00 Liturgy of the Day (St Mary Steps)Easter DayThe life that God offers to people that choose to follow him is so great that not even death and the grave and stop it!Today all Christians celebrate this Feast of Feasts.St Michael’s20:00 Easter Vigil08:00 Mass (said)09:30 30-Minute Mass10:30 Parish MassSt Lawrence’s10:30 MassSt Mary Steps09:30 Mass