Mardi Gras to Ash Wednesday

Well, the Mardi Gras was a success. The high schoolers ran games for the little ones, everyone wins a prize from Oriental Trading Co., lots of sugary treats, music, balloons and masks. About 8pm everyone heads into Church, we sing Alleluia one last time, and the deacon reads a prayer that reminds us that Lent will soon be underway. We walked together out to the parking lot where we lit and burned last years' palm branches for Ash Wednesday. We sang "Jesus Remember Me" and the deacon finished with a prayer.

I'm not sure there is any formal prayer that this comes from other than a tradition started at our parish. I was a tad annoyed at all the kids who had their balloons in Church, but they did a great job of not bringing in their snacks and soda. What I think I liked most about it was that it was a way to teach the kids what Mardi Gras is-not just a wild party to break up the winter blues, but to know that the next day begins a solemn time in our Church year.

So, to all...Let Lent Begin!