Find sanctuary city resources from the City of Portland's Immigrant & Refugee Program including free legal services and state resources for reporting hate crimes Current project efforts to restore Johnson Creek focus on returning it to a more natural state This type of restoration provides a safe place for flood waters to spread out and soak into the ground.It also helps improve water quality and increases fish and wildlife habitat along Johnson Creek Johnson Creek provides important habitat for coho and Chinook salmon While these species still exist in Johnson Creek and its tributaries their long-term survival depends on our ability to restore habitat and improve water quality Johnson Creek also serves as a critical habitat corridor for a wide range of migrating and resident wildlife The project will take place in natural areas along Johnson Creek to the south of the Springwater Corridor Trail between SE 82nd and SE 92nd Avenues.  The simplified map below is a visual illustration of the work zone and shows details on planned floodplain improvements and construction access locations being used by city contractor Construction and tree removal began April 21 Work is expected to be complete towards the end of Spring 2026 Please be aware that construction work may occur in phases meaning the work zone may experience periods of inactivity Other services like replanting work will be completed during the appropriate seasons the city contractor continues with tree and brush removal crews will move on to set up additional erosion control Crews will install more silt fencing and gravel bags to prevent sediment runoff Erosion control blankets may be used throughout the wetlands to cover and protect loose soil piles crews will transition to tree stump and brush grinding over the next several weeks The traveling public should expect high volumes of large dump trucks transporting soil The city contractor will build wheel-washing systems at multiple work zones Watering roads and gravel trails will minimize dust and help reduce chances of transporting invasive species and other pollutants Environmental Services will continue to monitor red-legged frog habitats and perform bird nest surveys during April.  The traveling public should stay alert to all workers and should anticipate delays during peak travel periods.  and the look-ahead schedule below is subject to change due to contractor availability Daytime work hours are Monday through Friday The traveling public should expect higher levels of dust and noise due to tree maintenance and heavy-duty mulchers will be used by the city contractor Environmental Services kindly advises the public to stay clear of all construction equipment and materials for your safety.  Please obey all traffic control signs and follow the directions of all flaggers onsite You may see crews taking more frequent water and rest breaks and taking other protective measures during extreme weather The images below provide a general sense of what the finished restoration project may look like Environmental Services will inform residents and businesses about project activities and respond to questions and concerns in a timely manner In the 1930’s, the federal Works Progress Administration (WPA) partially straightened and rock-lined the banks of Johnson Creek in this area to try to reduce flooding these changes to the creek increased downstream flooding by disconnecting the creek from its floodplain It also made the creek warmer by removing trees along the banks untreated rainwater runoff from buildings and roads goes directly into the creek Environmental Services and its partners have been working for 25 years to address these issues and restore Johnson Creek The West Lents Floodplain Restoration Project is a high priority for Environmental Services Below are planned improvements for the West Lents Floodplain Restoration Project:  Sign up for regular email or text message updates for the West Lents Floodplain Restoration Project through our free GovDelivery subscription service These updates are the best way to stay informed about what’s happening and what to expect You can also sign up for bulletins on other projects and topics.  This project will help protect the health of the Johnson Creek Watershed See something we could improve on this page? Give website feedback The City of Portland ensures meaningful access to City programs, services, and activities to comply with Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II laws and reasonably provides: translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, auxiliary aids and services. Request an ADA accommodation or call 503-823-4000, Relay Service: 711 503-823-4000  Traducción e Interpretación | Biên Dịch và Thông Dịch | 口笔译服务 | Устный и письменный перевод | Turjumaad iyo Fasiraad | Письмовий і усний переклад | Traducere și interpretariat | Chiaku me Awewen Kapas | अनुवादन तथा व्याख्या The city of Portland is getting greener and soon cooler More than a dozen trees have been planted in the Lents neighborhood since the beginning of the year That's an area considered one of the hottest in the city The trees have been planted in what's called the "curb zone." adjacent to the curb of the street where they would really add additional benefit to the neighborhood." KATU News asked why the curb zones were crucial in the design process "You'll see as you travel around the neighborhood but they're not like in a traditional pre-designed street that you might lay out today There's no tree wells along the sidewalk or things like that that create that additional shade," says Schafer She says one of the great benefits of this program is that the trees will be under the maintenance of Urban Forestry "A lot of our trees in Portland are the maintenance responsibility of adjacent property owners we have an agreement with Urban Forestry that they will maintain these trees so they do not become a financial burden on the adjacent property owners if there's some sort of work or tree trimming or things that need to be done in the future," says Schafer She says other benefits are more walkable neighborhoods because of more shading and cars slowing down because of narrower roads those benefits may vary just in terms of the placement and stuff we see a lot of added value," says Schafer KATU News spoke with one homeowner who was not happy with the tree planter where he lives He says it blocks access from his house to the street PBOT's spokesperson says overall there has been a good reaction to the trees in the curb zone They also say they will do more outreach on future locations Are you new to town, or new to cycling in Portland? Want to explore some of the best low-stress bike routes in the Lents neighborhood Then join our first New to Portland ride of 2025 on Thursday April 3!We will visit several community-focused spaces from community orchards to local bike shops and tree-filled parks We will gather next door to NW Pro Gear bike shop, in the courtyard on SE Foster Rd between 91st and 92nd Ave 5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Come at 5:30 for free safety checks courtesy of NW Pro Gear 6:45 p.m. Short stop at Malden Court Community Orchard to learn about this special community space and how you can get involved Check out our Checklist for getting started on a bike to learn more about how to prepare for your ride We'll also answer any questions you have about getting around by bike during the ride!  Are you bike-curious or don't have a bike you can use There are still options for you to participate in the ride: and the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund If you've been "fasting" from unhealthy habits for Lent you're in luck: Thursday is the last day of Lent The weeks-long spring tradition of Lent is celebrated by millions of Christians around the world celebrated in honor of Jesus Christ's resurrection there are just three days left in Holy Week What's the meaning behind the last days of Holy Week and what dietary restrictions does Good Friday have and reflection observed by many Christians in preparation for Easter This represents the 40 days that Jesus spent fasting and praying in the desert before starting his public ministry many believers give up certain luxuries — such as sweets social media or alcohol — as a form of self-discipline Sundays are not traditionally counted in the 40 days as they are considered days of celebration rather than fasting People are also reading: This Texas city is among the best in US for celebrating Easter, study shows. See analysis which refers to Christ washing the feet of his 13 disciples as narrated by the Bible's New Testament a final meal together before Christ is crucified Some Christians choose to have a feast on Holy Thursday to commemorate the Last Supper Good Friday is celebrated on the Friday before Easter and marks the day Jesus was crucified and died “For Christians, Good Friday is an important day of the year because it celebrates what we believe to be the most momentous weekend in the history of the world,” Christianity.com says Christians have proclaimed the cross and resurrection of Jesus to be the decisive turning point for all creation.” Non-flesh products, like milk, cheese, butter and eggs, are not prohibited during Lent. During Good Friday specifically, some Catholics choose to fast: They only eat one full meal and may eat two smaller meals as long as they do not equal the one full meal, according to The Catholic Telegraph Fasting during Lent represents the fasting Jesus did while in the desert "Abstinence is a form of penance. Penance expresses sorrow and contrition for our wrongdoing, indicates our intention to turn away from sin and turn back to God," the Archdiocese of Saint Paul & Minneapolis shared on its website Capital One, Wells Fargo, PNC, Truist, CitiBank and JPMorgan Chase, among others, confirmed to USA TODAY branches would be open on Friday It represents the day Christ's body rested in the tomb before resurrection the day is characterized as a time of waiting Easter falls on the first Sunday after the full moon that occurs on or after the spring equinox Celebrate Easter in Austin 2025: Restaurant guide, brunch, specials and reservations Easter is one of the most anticipated holidays of the year, marked by a season of religious observances, traditions and celebrations leading up to the day — and observed by millions worldwide. For Christians, Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a fundamental belief in Christianity. According to Christian teachings, Jesus was crucified, died and was buried, and on the third day — Easter Sunday — he rose from the dead. What are the dates of Lent 2025?Ash Wednesday: March 5Palm Sunday: April 13Holy Thursday: April 17Good Friday: April 18Holy Saturday: April 19Easter Sunday: April 20— Palm Beach Post reporter Lianna Norman and Treasure Coast reporter Cheryl McCloud contributed to this report. Wednesday Christians mark the start of their Lenten disciplines of prayer fasting and almsgiving by receiving ashes upon their heads — the mark of conversion of heart Campus Ministry will be offering a variety of services on Ash Wednesday All are welcome to participate; you do not need to be Catholic to receive ashes:  the Church of the Gesu is offering Mass with the distribution of ashes at 7 a.m Ash Wednesday is a day of penitence and all Roman Catholics aged 14 and older are obliged to abstain from eating meat Roman Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59 are obliged to fast More information is available at the website of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.  Take part in Baccalaureate Mass, May 10  Apply to join Les Aspin Washington, D.C., internship program by May 5  James Friel named director of recreation  After six Fridays of not eating meat, Christians observing Lent are nearly at the finish line The tradition dates as far back as 601 AD, when 64th leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Gregory cemented the Lent as permanent tradition, according to the Museum of the Bible Lent lasted 46 days consisting of 40 days of fasting where only one meal and no meat was allowed with the exception of six Sundays considered "feast days." the tradition is practiced by Christians and Catholics across the world Additionally some people choose to give up certain foods or behaviors throughout the duration This year, Lent began on Wednesday, March 5. The first day of Lent is called Ash Wednesday The final day of Lent is also known as Holy Thursday Lent's 40 days represents the 40 days that Jesus spent fasting and praying in the desert before starting his public ministry Why does Lent involve fasting?Fasting during Lent represents the fasting Jesus did while in the desert "Abstinence is a form of penance. Penance expresses sorrow and contrition for our wrongdoing, indicates our intention to turn away from sin and turn back to God," the Archdiocese of Saint Paul & Minneapolis shared on its website ashes are placed on a worshiper's forehead in the shape of the cross This represents that a person belongs to Jesus Christ and that a person is grieving and morning for their sins Why do worshipers abstain from eating meat on Fridays during Lent?During Lent some worshipers abstain from eating flesh meat on Ash Wednesday Worshipers abstain from meat on Fridays during Lent to honor Jesus sacrificing his flesh on Good Friday, according to the Archdiocese of Saint Paul & Minneapolis Victoria Nguyen prays the rosary as she walks by the UF Honors Village many UF students are also navigating a quieter challenge: Lent Lent marks the 40 days leading up to Easter Catholic Gators are participating in personal and sometimes unconventional ways she deleted Instagram from her phone on Ash Wednesday “I spend way too much time on Instagram Reels and also just comparing myself to other people on Instagram,” Hoffman said Hoffman said she’s given up desserts and certain foods in the past but this year she wanted to try something different.  Though her decision was met with support from friends and family she said it hasn’t been without its challenges especially not being able to share recent big moments “I definitely do feel like I'm missing a little bit,” she said I'm definitely not as distracted doing my work.” decided to give up meat and sweets for Lent in addition to fasting six hours a day –– a sacrifice that’s shaped his daily routine.  Though his family is Catholic and fasting is often a part of Catholicism Dougherty said his family was shocked at the extreme change he is making Keeping little to no food in his dorm has been a big help during this Lent but Dougherty said the temptation came when he was visiting his food-filled home in Jacksonville during spring break “I think I’ve really just been learning more about why we do fasting in the first place,” he said “Just in order to have our spirit to rule over our flesh.”  said he is most looking forward to eating sweets Catholics are encouraged to abstain from eating meat on Fridays during Lent as a form of penance and remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice on Good Friday another UF freshman took it a step further.  a 19-year-old UF finance and English freshman gave up meat for Lent as a way to physically discipline herself But she made a brief exception during spring break.  “My parents’ love language is to give me food,” she said I think having strong bonds with your parents help you understand who God is more and more.” Nguyen said she’s focusing on her emotional mental and spiritual health by journaling and praying the rosary Nguyen said she’s started to feel more connected to her faith not just through formal prayer but by building a more personal relationship with God While some students have given up food or social media others are letting go of habits that shape their daily rhythm like music realized she was listening to music constantly during her commute while studying and in nearly every quiet moment in between Without her usual Christian country and acoustic playlists to fill the silence she said she found herself annoyed by the quiet she said the absence created space for something else: morning prayers check-in calls with her mom and moments of reflection “It gives me so much life just going into the day,” she said but it was keeping me from fully using my time.” said she used to give up small things like cookies as a kid she’s begun choosing sacrifices that feel more meaningful has helped her reflect more deeply on the meaning of Lent “Jesus went to the desert for 40 days before his crucifixion and fasted,” she said “We give something up to grow closer to God Contact Sabrina Castro at scastro@alligator.org Follow her on X @sabs_wurld.    Sabrina Castro is a senior journalism student and Spring 2025 Avenue reporter When she's not off chasing the latest trend story you can find her scrolling TikTok or searching local thrift stores for vintage gems — Firefighters from Portland Fire & Rescue responded to a residential fire in the Lents neighborhood early Friday morning crews found heavy flames and a potential roof collapse taking lines inside the structure to combat the blaze Efforts were concentrated on preventing the fire from spreading to nearby buildings An additional engine was requested to assist in the operation which also ignited a tree and surrounding brush Portland Fire & Rescue reported that the fire was under control with the first alarm companies on the scene PF&R says an investigator has been requested to determine the cause of the fire marking an end to the Lenten season — often observed by the religious as giving up something for weeks and abstaining from meat on Fridays — as the final days of Holy Week Holy Thursday is the commemoration of Jesus Christ’s Last Supper Good Friday, which is on April 18, is the day on which Christian and Catholic churches across the world commemorate the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ, USA TODAY reported Good Friday was observed as a day of sorrow DMV and banks schedulesNormal operations are in store for the U.S and bank branches will largely be open on Good Friday The California Department of Motor Vehicles offices will be open on Good Friday More: Are banks, post offices, UPS and FedEx open on Good Friday in California? USA TODAY reporter Gabe Hauari contributed to this report Paris Barraza is a trending reporter covering California news at The Desert Sun. Reach her at pbarraza@gannett.com Pope Francis invites Christians to reflect on their spiritual journey by identifying with the hardships of migrants fostering compassion and embracing hope in God's promise of eternal life A man receives ashes during Pope Francis' Ash Wednesday Mass at the Basilica of Santa Sabina in Rome Feb VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis urged Christians to examine their consciences in Lent by comparing their daily lives to the hardships faced by migrants calling it a way to grow in empathy and discover God's call to compassion "It would be a good Lenten exercise for us to compare our daily life with that of some migrant or foreigner to learn how to sympathize with their experiences and in this way discover what God is asking of us so that we can better advance on our journey to the house of the Father," the pope wrote in his message for Lent 2025 Reflecting on the theme "Let us journey together in hope," the pope said that Lent is a time to confront both personal and collective struggles with faith and compassion Comparing the Lenten journey to the Israelites' exodus from slavery in Egypt he recalled "our brothers and sisters who in our own day are fleeing situations of misery and violence in search of a better life for themselves and their loved ones." "A first call to conversion thus comes from the realization that all of us are pilgrims in this life," he wrote either immobilized by fear and hopelessness or reluctant to move out of my comfort zone?" Pope Francis also emphasized the importance of journeying together saying Christians are called to walk "side by side without letting anyone be left behind or excluded." should reflect on whether they are open to others or focused only on their own needs The pope called on Christians to journey together in hope toward Easter living out the central message of the Jubilee Year: "Hope does not disappoint." is to embrace hope and trust in God's promise of eternal life made possible through Christ's resurrection Pope Francis encouraged Christians to consider whether they truly live in a way that reflects hope seeking forgiveness and committing themselves to justice and the faith and great hope of Christians rests in this: the resurrection of Christ!" Catholic News Service has been providing complete in-depth coverage of the popes and the Vatican for more than 70 years faithful and informed connection to the Holy See Cardinal Gugerotti urged electors to draw on Eastern Christian humility and let the Spirit A Rome tailor is hoping the new pope will appear on the balcony of St Peter's Basilica wearing a cassock he sewed himself Cardinal Fernández said contempt for the poor can be masked in refined language and warns against false meritocracy that distorts.. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB’s) mission is to encounter the mercy of Christ and to accompany His people with joy ©2025 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Made possible by funding from  Fat Tuesday, aka Mardi Gras, is over, which means it's Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent and the 2025 Easter season some might celebrate their belief in Jesus Christ's resurrection while others will hunt for colorful eggs left by the Easter bunny What is Ash Wednesday and what do Christians do today Many Christians will abstain from eating (or eat only one large meal), pray, and attend Ash Wednesday mass to receive ashes on their forehead, per Christianity.com worshipers abstain from eating flesh meat on Ash Wednesday The ashes placed in the sign of a cross on worshipers' foreheads on Ash Wednesday are supposed to be made from last year's Palm Sunday palm branches, according to the Catholic News Agency Last year's Palm Sunday was on March 24 − the Sunday before Easter The palm branches are burned into a fine powder and mixed with holy water or oil to create a light paste Lent is a 40-day season of prayer and fasting observed by Christians Lent is 40 days to represent the 40 days that Jesus spent fasting and praying in the desert before starting his public ministry Ash Wednesday 2025 arrives late this yearAsh Wednesday The last time Ash Wednesday fell in March was 2022, when it was on March 2. Lent begins on March 6 in 2030, the next time the Easter season starts so late in March, according to Interfaith Airport Chapels of Chicago was recently interviewed on “AMDG: A Jesuit Podcast,” a weekly podcast from the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States that invites guests to talk about the impact of Ignatian spirituality in their lives “The Work of Lent,” the podcast is focusing on professional Catholics whose profession it is to minister to others the deputy director of communications for the Jesuits of the US and Canada Papula discussed her own vocational pull that landed her in her role at LMU She discusses how she has kept Lent both holy and sacred throughout different stages of her own life Papula also addresses how temptation can manifest itself in our spiritual lives Papula reflected on her time as director of the Kairos Retreat program at Boston College and her Jesuit education I had never met the Jesuits before I went to the University of Scranton,” said Papula All of those were classes that I just felt like I couldn’t get enough of and campus ministry offered me connection and community and an opportunity to travel … I felt both held and free in those spaces.” During her life she said people called out gifts that they saw in her and that fueled her said coming to California was a surprising and unexpected venture in her journey but she loves the students and team with whom she works When asked for a moment of when she realized the significance of reminding others of God’s love “When I was managing Kairos at Boston College during the 25th anniversary One alumnus shared that they had the Jerusalem cross and it serves as a reminder of how they want to parent their child.” She holds onto that story in her heart while overseeing the broad programming that she now manages Papula also discusses lent; and how she intentionally plans for it every year She believes it is both evergreen and everchanging “What is it about Lent 2025 that is distinct and what is the enduring wisdom that continues to meet us a new even as our culture and our needs are dynamic,” said Papula “Lent offers the opportunity to clear the air and notice where God is reaching for us.” Papula chose to look at temptation and why this is an important theme during Lent “Being reactive versus being responsive has been in my prayer life I think much of temptation has less to do with being morally neutral and more to do with dulling the ache of being human and trying to work with that woundedness… Pain is either transformed or transmitted and if we are going to tend to that pain that is hard work.” She believes that is what Lent calls each of us to do See All Campus News Stay up to date on LMU news via email alerts and RSS feeds. Copyright © 2025 Loyola Marymount University Spring Campaign in Full Swing!Join us to reach our $60,000 goal Mass Propers for Tuesday of the Third Week of Easter: says the Lord; whoever comes to me will never hunger Preface II of Easter: It is truly right and just but in this time above all to laud you yet more gloriously when Christ our Passover has been sacrificed Through him the children of light rise to eternal life and the halls of the heavenly Kingdom are thrown open to the faithful; for his Death is our ransom from death and in his rising the life of all has risen every people exults in your praise and even the heavenly Powers sing together the unending hymn of your glory we believe that we shall also live with Christ Tuesday of the Third Week of Easter: O God who open wide the gates of the heavenly Kingdom to those reborn of water and the Holy Spirit pour out on your servants an increase of the grace you have bestowed they may lack nothing that in your kindness you have promised who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit » Enjoy our Liturgical Seasons series of e-books! After taking part in the Crusades against the Albigensians he used his inheritance to free Christian prisoners held by the Moors He later founded the Order of Our Lady of Mercy (Mercedarians) beginning in 1218 devoted to ransoming Christians John the Apostle was taken to Rome under the Emperor Domitian and plunged into a cauldron of boiling oil; by a striking miracle he came out safe and sound from this torture This disposition to forgive did not die with St but has continued to be one of the most characteristic virtues of the saint Benedict as related in the Dialogues of St that he was continuously and severely persecuted by a delinquent priest who lived in the neighborhood of the monastery in order to protect the virtue and the vocations of his disciples Benedict decided to abandon the site of his monastery and move to another location He and his monks had hardly left their monastery when word was brought that the persecutor had died suddenly Contrary to the expectation of the messenger who brought the news Benedict broke out in loud lamentations that his enemy had died suddenly and had not had an opportunity to repent The saints see so much more clearly than we the relative unimportance of the hardships and injustices we suffer in this world and the importance before all else of the sinner's being converted and repenting of his sins How long and how persistently we harbor grudges in our hearts against those who have offended us How difficult we find it to forgive freely and from our hearts Yet we proclaim ourselves to be Christians and to practice all the Christian virtues Do we forget that our Lord told us that if we expect our prayers to be heard and our sacrifices to be pleasing in the sight of God and go first and make peace with our brother Nor is the disposition to forgive our enemies peculiar only to the saints and martyrs of the ancient Church; nor should we expect it to be and if His disciples were commanded to forgive their enemies in His day Father Pro was executed in Mexico some years ago he was asked by his executioner if he had anything he wished to do or anything he wished to say before the sentence was executed Father Pro said that there was; he wished to be given an opportunity to pray for his executioners and to give them his blessing before he died During the persecutions in Spain during the late civil war one of the religious who was to be put to death by the communists was led to his death with his hands bound asked to be allowed to give his blessing to the members of the firing squad It is said that the officer in charge of the guard untied his hands and then swiftly struck off the hands of the priest with his sword raised his right arm and traced the sign of the cross over the heads of his murderers This is the true sign of the authentic martyr the characteristic mark of the true saint of the Church Who His own self bore our sins in His body upon the tree" (Epistle) The redemption of man as accomplished by Christ might have been accomplished in other ways but none of them would have been as perfect as the way Christ chose God might have forgiven man outright without requiring any satisfaction for sin This would have been a splendid manifestation of the infinite mercy of God but it would have ignored His infinite justice God might have refused redemption and forgiveness altogether and this would have been in complete conformity with His justice but it would not have satisfied His infinite mercy Perfect redemption required that both God's mercy and justice be satisfied Any act of satisfaction on his part would only have been of limited and finite value An act of reparation offered by a divine person would have been adequate since it would not have been offered by the offending party The only possibility of a perfect redemption was for the divine person to become incarnate could perform acts of infinite value; since he was a human being He could act in the name of the human race and offer an act of reparation which would be both adequate and authentic But the martyrdom of the latter Apostle called for a scene worthy of the event was not a sufficiently glorious land for such a combat whither Peter had transferred his Chair and where he died on his cross and where Paul had bowed down his venerable head beneath the sword alone deserved the honor of seeing the beloved disciple march on to martyrdom with that dignity and sweetness which are the characteristics of this veteran of the Apostolic College In the year 95 John appeared before the tribunal of pagan Rome the worship of a Jew who had been crucified under Pontius Pilate He was considered a superstitious and rebellious old man and it was time to rid Asia of his presence sentenced to an ignominious and cruel death A huge cauldron of boiling oil was prepared in front of the Latin Gate The sentence ordered that the preacher of Christ be plunged into this bath The hour had come for the second son of Salome to partake of his Master’s chalice the boiling liquid lost all its heat; the Apostle felt no scalding when they took him out again he felt all the vigor of his youthful years restored to him The weeks-long spring tradition is celebrated by millions of Christians around the world When is Good Friday 2025?Good Friday is celebrated on the Friday before Easter and marks the day Jesus was crucified and died Unlike Good Friday and Easter, Passover is not part of Lent. While Lent is a 40-day period observed by Christians, Passover is a celebration of the Jewish people's liberation from slavery in Egypt thousands of years ago. It is marked by a ceremony that celebrates the Jewish Festival of Freedom In Israel, Passover is celebrated for exactly seven days to respect the Hebrews who had to flee their homes for seven days. Jewish people who live outside of Israel celebrate the holiday for eight days according to tradition It is believed that the Israelites were not safe from the Egyptians who pursued them when they fled until the parting of the Red Sea The parting occurred seven days after they initially fled It also represents the day Jesus entered Jerusalem waving palm branches What does Easter celebrate?Easter is one of the most anticipated holidays of the year, marked by a season of religious observances traditions and celebrations leading up to the day — and observed by millions worldwide Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and on the third day — Easter Sunday — he rose from the dead — Memphis Commercial Appeal reporter Jordan Green contributed to this report Help keep Catholics around the world educated and informed Already donated? Log in to stop seeing these donation pop-ups Q&AWhat Is Lent?ShareQuestion:What Is Lent?Answer:Lent is a season of preparation for Easter mirroring Jesus’ forty days in the desert and also anticipating his passion “By the solemn forty days of Lent the Church unites herself each year to the mystery of Jesus in the desert.” (CCC 540 The seasons and days of penance in the course of the liturgical year (Lent and each Friday in memory of the death of the Lord) are intense moments of the Church’s penitential practice These times are particularly appropriate for spiritual exercises voluntary self-denial such as fasting and almsgiving and fraternal sharing (charitable and missionary works) one that not only looks forward to the joy of Jesus’ Resurrection (beginning with the Easter Octave) but also provides the faithful—both Catholics and those joining the Church—an annual opportunity to fortify their faith and otherwise grow in holiness for the sake of Christ’s kingdom (John 13:34-35; see Matt For those preparing to become Catholic—whether catechumens (who will receive all three sacraments of initiation: baptism confirmation and the Eucharist) or candidates (baptized Christians who will receive confirmation and the Eucharist)—Lent is a period of learning and spiritual formation that leads to their coming into full communion with our Lord Jesus Christ and his Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil Lent is an opportunity to reflect on their faith and strengthen their relationship with God and others through prayer by calling us to turn away from sin and soul-sapping distractions drawing us closer to God as we prepare to celebrate the triumphant joy of the Easter season Top 20 Questions and Answers about Lent Catholic Answers Q&A Guide for Lent When is Ash Wednesday? Catholic Answers Guide for Lent When is Holy Week? Catholic Answers Guide for Holy Week Things you could have done instead of checking your phone I thought I would accomplish a lot more today and also by the time I was thirty-five I am a Tinder guy holding a fish and I will provide for you Circumstances in which I will not pet your dog Fake pandemic introvert vs. real introvert Other hygge-like Scandinavian trends to make your sad life seem intentional Enter the Cartoon Caption Contest for a chance to appear in the magazine Follow @newyorkercartoons on Instagram and sign up for the Daily Humor newsletter for more funny stuff As we enter this sacred season of Lent, Christians are called to embrace a 40-day period of reflection, repentance, and preparation for Easter. During this time we are invited to deepen our faith through prayer While many associate Lent with giving up small luxuries—such as sweets or social media—its true purpose runs much deeper Lent is not just about making fleeting personal sacrifices; it’s about a profound reconnection with God before Easter Lent calls us to draw nearer to God by serving others and taking intentional actions that reflect the love and compassion of Christ While sacrifice and self-denial are essential they should not be isolated acts confined to our personal choices or the comforts of our homes True service goes beyond giving up small indulgences; it calls us to action in the world around us This call is especially poignant this year a time when Pope Francis reminds us that hope is not just an abstract concept but a call to truly care for one another and lean into God’s word In 2025, Pope Francis has declared a Jubilee Year under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” which invites us to respond to the suffering in our world—from the impacts of war in Ukraine and the Middle East to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic The Jubilee Year challenges us to recognize that hope comes to life when we actively care for the world and all of God’s creation This is where our responsibility as stewards of creation comes in In Genesis 2:15 God gives humanity the sacred charge to “Work and Keep” the Earth This call to stewardship is not just about protecting our environment but about honoring its Creator by caring for the world He entrusted to us we are reminded that our actions should reflect this responsibility when we are called to serve others and witness God’s love in tangible ways let us not only reflect on personal sacrifice but also embrace our call to care for creation By responding to the needs of the world — through acts of service and active compassion — we honor God’s love and fulfill our role as caretakers of His creation.  I challenge fellow Christians to answer that call Here’s how we can satisfy the ‘service’ part of Lent: Cleanup With The Great Global Clean Up: Join our EARTH ACTION DAY campaign by organizing or participating in local clean-up events These are about serving the environment and serving your community every piece of trash collected brings us closer to a cleaner Give back to Creation with the Canopy Project: Join EARTHDAY.ORG’S global tree-planting initiative that restores ecosystems and fights climate change By participating in tree-planting efforts or supporting the project financially you can actively contribute to the health of the planet This mirrors Lent’s call for renewal — not just of our hearts but of the Earth itself.  Faith First: Consider gathering your community, church group, or local organization together to host an Earth Action Day Roundtable It can be the magical moment that you need to come together and discuss local action to make your own community a little better starting an anti- single use plastic campaign or getting solar panels on the local high school roof speak up and stand up for God’s creations this Lent.  Let us not just give up the things we like for Lent this year like candy but let’s also give up the things that harm our planet By taking action we honor Christ’s love while protecting planet Earth Let this season be one of renewal and hope—for ourselves and the world around us Join the World’s Largest Environmental Movement Donate Become a Volunteer Tax ID - 13-3798288 1752 N Street NW Suite 700 Washington, DC 20036 +1 (202) 518- 0044 [email protected] Lent began with Ash Wednesday, almost 40 days ago. But did you know Lent used to be less than 40 days The religious tradition as many Catholics and Christians know it today can be traced back to Rome in the 300s why Easter 2025 falls in late April this year and a little bit about the religious holidays that surround it Easter Sunday 2025 is this weekend, on Sunday, April 20. The date, 4/20, also happens to be a big unofficial holiday for weed smokers. Easter has fallen on 4/20 before and will again in the future although this year's will be the last time until the 2080s Has Easter ever fallen on 4/20? Easter Sunday will fall on the unofficial smokers' holiday in 2025 According to The Old Farmer's Almanac and long-term averages calculated by Harvard Second place goes to April 24 and third place goes to March 23 The Lent season – which is a 40-day period of prayer and fasting leading up to Easter – starts on Ash Wednesday and ends on the Thursday before Easter Sunday every year Good Friday always falls on the Friday immediately before Easter Sunday and commemorates the day Jesus was crucified According to Vatican News early Christians originally began preparing for Easter with just two days of fasting and penitence Emperor Constantine called a meeting of church leaders the council decided on a set of agreements to guide how the church would observe teach and practice its beliefs about the life of Jesus Christ Some historical context: The Council of Nicea – and establishment of the 40-day Lent that many Christians and Catholics still observe today – took place 13 years after Constantine converted to Christianity in 312 A.D. and 11 years before the first recorded Christian Christmas (Dec the Council of Nicea already testifies to a 40-day preparation for Easter after the ‘model’ of Jesus who spent 40 days in the desert…” Vatican News says “Not to mention other highly significant 40-day or 40-year periods such as the flood that lasted 40 days and 40 nights the 40-year sojourn of the people of Israel in the desert and the 40 days in which Moses fasted on Mount Sinai Easter Sunday sometimes falls in late April because the holiday is not tied to a specific date all of the related religious holidays leading up to Easter also fall later in the year The date of Easter and its related holidays also depend on if you’re Eastern Orthodox or not. The Eastern Orthodox Church uses the Julian calendar, a solar calendar that was used by the Roman Empire. This year, Easter and Eastern Orthodox Easter fall on the same date, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac “Easter is a “movable feast,” so it doesn’t happen on the same date from year to year it is always observed on a Sunday between March 22 and April 25,” the almanac says Easter can be observed between April 4 and May 8 in the Eastern Orthodox Church…According to long-term averages Easter’s date changes because it is based on the lunar calendar, much like Lunar New Year Easter Sunday always falls on the first Sunday after the spring equinox full moon “While Christmas is fixed to a solar calendar (and near the winter solstice) Easter is based on the lunar cycles of the Jewish calendar,” the almanac says the Last Supper (the final meal Jesus shared with his apostles before his crucifixion) was a Passover feast Because Easter is based on a lunar month (which is 29.5 days) Please register to access this FREE content Because of where it falls in the Church calendar, The Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C because it is tremendous preparation for Lent Jesus is doubling down on a message against pride Jesus gives a whole series of brief sayings scholars suggest that Luke is simply compiling a “best of” collection of Jesus’s words in one place here It could very well be that Jesus is doing what Hebrews often do — stringing together a number of parallel words of wisdom driving a single point home through repetition with a little variety but that means you have to improve yourself first There are three kinds of pride Jesus calls out in the Gospel: All three kinds of pride are insidious because they convince us that we have nothing to change in our lives that we have already reached the goal our life in Christ is tending toward And this leaves us even more useless than if we had never met Jesus at all “For people do not pick figs from thornbushes nor do they gather grapes from brambles,” he says because Lent is the time to root out pride The traditional Lenten practices are tailor-made to undercut exactly these kinds of pride and help us to grow not in the appearance of holiness We have so often indulged and excused the small lapses and luxuries and indiscretions that we hardly notice the extent to which we have embraced a consumerist lifestyle that is spiritually nearsighted by fasting from those things we normally indulge in we can see again all the excesses in our life that we are blind to,and break the bonds of slavery to them Jesus warns of becoming blind to his truths We have enjoyed so much ridicule of others in our entertainments and online — and have been so taken with superficiality and politics  — that we hardly notice that this has changed the way we understand the world we can see our lives from God’s point of view giving us an objective view of our own state and others’ worth Jesus warns that we are at risk of becoming blind to the needs of those around us We have so often rehearsed our excuses for not serving the material and spiritual needs of others that we often don’t even bother to rationalize it anymore And by almsgiving — giving more and doing more for others — we can train ourselves in the generosity we need to get out of ourselves Third: Lent is a preparation for Easter; or Paul is all about the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and how to prepare for it by internalizing it “When this which is corruptible clothes itself with incorruptibility and this which is mortal clothes itself with immortality then the word that is written shall come about: “The apostle Paul seems to have directly pointed his finger at the flesh when he wrote: “this which is corruptible must put on incorruptibility.” “But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” The Resurrection is the moment when Jesus deprives sin and death of its power and our Easter is the moment when we share in his victory Paul gives his own Lenten program in greatness: “Therefore always fully devoted to the work of the Lord knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” Fourth: But don’t miss the fact that Jesus reveals the amazing truth about what is possible to us Don’t just focus on the difficulty Jesus’s words entail: Look at the high hopes his words give us Of course a blind guide cannot lead a blind person but Jesus explains how a blind guide can become a true guide to other blind people: “Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter in your brother’s eye.” Not only do we have the ability to restore our spiritual sight; we can restore sight to others And of course we only make things worse when we try to use our own wisdom to improve upon the Gospel but Jesus says something huge: “when fully trained every disciple will be like his teacher.” That is quite a statement one that says that our destiny is nothing less than to be like the Son of God himself And last, Jesus gives one of his greatest votes of confidence in us, ever. Ordinarily, as Jesus has said “No one is good except God alone.” Here he explains how “A good person out of the store of goodness in his heart produces good but an evil person out of the store of evil produces evil.” The First Reading this Sunday gives Old Testament wisdom that amounts to: You can’t fool God “As the test of what the potter molds is in the furnace so in tribulation is the test of the just,” it says You can’t fake holiness; you have to embrace God and his will or you will fall apart in difficult times it adds: “The fruit of a tree shows the care it has had; so too does one’s speech disclose the bent of one’s mind.” It is what you actually do in life that God sees; not your feelings or your good intentions Lent allows you to face both of these: It begins in tribulation when you have an ashen cross smeared on our head It ends when we venerate the cross of Jesus Christ on Good Friday and then celebrate his Resurrection on Easter Sunday bringing to him the heart we changed or didn’t change through the long days of Lent Lent is all about confronting the inevitability of our death and doing all that is necessary to align ourselves with the only way out of death It is a 40-day program of conforming ourselves to Jesus and leaving our weakness behind in favor of his greatness Subscribe below to receive weekly emails The opinions expressed on this website do not necessarily reflect the views of the college Copyright © 2025 Benedictine College Site Archive — Seven months after a KATU News reporton a massive homeless camp in Southeast Portland Mark Dahl told KATU's Angelica Thornton he believes the city is ignoring the Lents Neighborhood "We requested you come out here for a reason," said Dahl Dahl is frustrated by what is happening a quarter of a mile from his home on Southeast Knapp Street "Nothing has changed," said Dahl "Nothing has changed at all in seven months and nothing will change in the next seven months," said Dahl When we first interviewed Dahl in December, tents and chopped-up cars stretched to Southeast Flavel St Officers told KATU they were recovering a stolen car there are even more RVs lining the road along with garbage and a burned-out boat with a sofa sitting on top is nothing more than a restroom," said Dahl Just hours after we talked to Dahl again last week an RV went up in flames in the middle of the night KATU photojournalist Mike Warner got to the scene before firefighters arrived and shot video of the smoldering debris A man named Jonathan Singer told him the fire destroyed everything he owned I woke up and didn't realize how big the fire was," said Singer Singer told Warner he used to be a server but lost his home during the pandemic "We don't want to be here," said Singer We are trying really hard but once you sink to a certain point Terry Emmert says he's discouraged by what's happening on Southeast Knapp But he also dabbles in lots of other business ventures He was the owner of the Portland Chinooks and the Portland Thunder and he's been developing property in Southeast Portland for decades "That whole street should be posted 'No Parking' because nothing good happens up there at night if they allow parking to begin with," said Emmert Emmert is the guy who moved more than fifty homes to this neighborhood in Lents He says he never imagined it would end up looking like it does now "The homeowners up there have reached out to us and said We can't personally go tow something that's on a city street," said Emmert KATU reached out to Mayor Ted Wheeler's office A spokesperson for the Impact Reduction Team sent us the following statement: "We’ve are aware about RV campers along this stretch of road and we know it’s an area where campers – especially lived-in vehicles – tend to return to again and again The Impact Reduction Program (IRP) monitors all incoming reports from community members about unsanctioned camps in Portland We respond to those reports by sending teams to assess each site and we then remove campsites that pose significant public health and safety risks basing our priority to do so on the assessment reports we receive We also coordinate with a Navigation Team of outreach professionals and have put this site on their visitation list in the past Given the growth in number of people camping here recently we will be putting this site back on their regular visitation schedule next week While IRP has been receiving many reports about Knapp Street we’re limited in our removal efforts since so much of the camping here is vehicle camping Lived-in vehicles need to be towed by PBOT’s Vehicle Inspection Team and the time intensive nature of tow operations means that the work of removing camps with vehicles associated lags far behind demand The last time PBOT was in this area towing vehicles was May 29th PBOT does have this area on their schedule again – Vehicle Inspection Team officers will tag vehicles in the week of August 5th and return to tow vehicles in the week of August 12th IRP contracted crews will be part of that operation arriving in tandem with tow trucks to pick up any remaining trash property or tents on the streets and sidewalks here as long as we continue to receive reports about this area we can continue to send out assessment crews They not only fill out a risk assessment at each visit but also pick up as much camper identified trash as possible and leave behind garbage bags to help campers keep the area tidy But without the towing efforts of PBOT in coordination IRP options for addressing this site are limited neither IRP nor PBOT staff and contracted crews have any involvement in enforcing the new ordinance High impact sites affecting the work of City of Portland employees can be referred to the SSCC for evaluation but it would be up to designated SSCC staff to decide whether and when to focus enhanced outreach efforts here or refer this area to police." "It's a joke that I'm paying a huge amount of property taxes that go up 3% a year Dahl says after five years of reporting problems to the city and seeing the same clean-ups and outreach on repeat "I look at homes all the time on real estate," said Dahl Dahl is out of steam and ready to walk away from his retirement dream From Ash Wednesday and during the whole Lenten season the Church in Europe will remain gathered around the Eucharistic table to pray for peace the Council of Bishops’ Conferences of Europe (CCEE) explained that the initiative involves all Council members It said it has been structured in such a way that each member is “committed to organising and celebrating at least one Holy Mass with the intention to pray for the victims of war and to invoke from the Lord “a just and sustainable peace especially in the Ukraine and the Holy Land” The CCEE added that the ‘Eucharistic Chain’ aims to provide “an experience of communion and a visible sign of hope for the entire European Continent.” fasting and almsgiving ‘to better recognise that we are all brothers and sisters and to implore from God the end of war” The statement concluded with an appeal: “In these days of suffering and illness we renew our appeal to pray for the health of Pope Francis.” The CCEE was established in 1971 after the Presidents of 13 Bishops’ Conferences in Europe decided to collaborate among themselves the Council is made up of 39 members; together they represent the Catholic Church in 45 countries in the European continent The Council is committed to the New Evangelisation and offers its support to all structures of the Church involved in this mission It encourages initiatives aimed at witnessing the faith and truth of the Gospel throughout the continent in order to embrace the people and communities present in Europe Together with other International and European Institutions the CCEE actively participates in debates in the various social and ecclesial fields to promote respect for human rights according to the Christian perspective which recognises the dignity of every person created in the image and likeness of God Thank you for reading our article. You can keep up-to-date by subscribing to our daily newsletter. Just click here Visit the Archdiocese’s Great Lent website to learn more about the second Sunday of Great Lent Gregory Palamas and his profound influence on Orthodox Christian theology This site offers resources for the faithful and video commentary.  Dive deeper into St Gregory's teachings to enrich your Lenten journey www.goarch.org/sunday-stgregorypalamas Get the Orthodox Observer delivered to your inbox Download VCF • Join our Mailing Lists • Donate The information contained on the website of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is for informational purposes only Certain individuals and institutions are presented for reference purposes only and may not be under the supervision or jurisdiction of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese The Holy Archdiocese does not exercise any administrative oversight or assignment authority over clergy that are not part of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Phone: 216-696-6525 Toll Free: 1-800-869-6525 Address: 1404 East 9th Street, Cleveland, OH 44114   Share this Page Every day of Lent, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Click HERE for the readings My guess is that there is a “poor Lazarus” outside each of our doors someone we aren’t willing to share our goods with then let’s not just store it away so that we can consume it after Lent We can give some of our cache of chocolate away We should also give from what we have received It could be out of the treasure of our bank accounts the excess we have in our cupboards and closets or from the rich treasure of our Catholic faith there is someone out there who is waiting for us to give it Remember that there is a “poor Lazarus” nearby who needs what we can give Our future depends on how we treat those in need Don’t die without being a blessing for someone in need the Lord has told us to be good stewards of God’s many gifts As proof that he knows what he is talking about please contact local law enforcement and: Kathleen McComb Response Services – 216-334-2999 Lent beckons with an invitation to introspection exploration of the motivations and posture of one’s heart I encourage you to remember that Lent is also a preparation for the joy of Easter which will greet us at the end of this intentional with its spiritual weightiness and somber character the discipline of giving something up makes Lent meaningful and rich the Lenten seasons during which I’ve taken something on have brought the deepest blessings I prayed for my fellow consecrated diaconal ministers by name and sent notecards to each fostered personalized connections to cherished colleagues and strengthened my sense of diaconal community I mentioned this choice to our campus ministry group and one student chose to craft handwritten hand-illustrated Lenten messages for each of us Receiving Gretchen’s affirming card offered a beautiful way of coming full circle within the discipline of handwritten notes I choose to be engaged in enfleshing joy and to give others permission to embrace joy also I’ve committed to Lenten readings of the Psalms aloud in multiple languages and the motley medley that is English interweave in drawing me further into the word of God I also sense and hear the great cloud of witnesses around me faithful voices crying out to the Lord over millennia in the languages of their hearts naming their longings … trusting that they are heard This year my Lenten discipline will be dancing Attending local studios for lessons and dances provides physical activity with escalating tensions at home and abroad appealing to God to raise up peacemakers and peace-builders entreating that I also may seek for and bring peace to the communities of which I am a part Choosing to dance when the world is in painful disarray becomes a determined witness to the goodness of God to the grace of embodied life that Jesus took on through the incarnation and to the Spirit’s power to give us wings When my partner and I dance a Viennese waltz around the ballroom since the pace of a Viennese is heart-hammering we participate in a co-creative statement of movement joke-telling or always finding something affirming to say to others it’s second on the list after love as a fruit of the spirit Give yourself permission to let the breath of God suffuse you with delight this season and dance your way toward Easter I’m confident that our loving Dance Partner will rejoice over you with singing as you go We are a church that values and encourages diverse voices and lively dialogue in our faith and life Living Lutheran is an opportunity for church members to express individual perspectives and does not necessarily reflect official positions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America We are a global communion of churches in the Lutheran tradition country programs and partner organizations to promote justice reconciliation and dignity for individuals and communities LWF membership represents over 78 million Christians in the Lutheran tradition in 99 countries across the globe as well as ten recognized churches and congregations We strive to put our faith into action within and beyond the communion and seek God’s Word and Spirit to guide us Your partnership truly makes a difference.Together a better world is possible.With Passion for the Church and for the World Lent is a season for Lutherans across the globe to affirm their faith identity and reflect on their diverse opportunities and challenges in society Lent can be understood as “an invitation to draw closer to Christ through intentional spiritual practices while at the same time responding to Christ’s love through compassionate action for others.” Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert is a time during which Christians remember Jesus' suffering: his condemnation as many believers use the time for reflection and prayer The season of Lent is marked in many ways in the Lutheran communion The Lutheran Church in Singapore (LCS) and the Lutheran Community Care Services (LCCS) have issued a publication titled “Living the Lenten Gospels” in English and Chinese It invites believers on a journey of “subdued rejoicing” with seven Biblical reflections “Lent meditations on Christ's sufferings should not only be for own church benefits but for the oppressed broken and suffering people in our community,” said Rev Joining hands with the LCCS and inviting congregants to fast and give to others instead makes that connection concrete Restorative practices are at the heart of LCCS’ work and communities to break the hurt cycle and build a thriving society where everyone feels valued LWF partner Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR) issued an invitation for “A Lenten Journey of Reflection Nature and Faith – and reflects on how these issues shape our lives we will consider how God calls us to respond with justice The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s (ELCA) grassroots movement promoting care for creation, Lutherans Restoring Creation, has developed a Lenten Carbon Fast Calendar a Bible verse combined with an action challenges people “to fast from the ways we pollute the world rather than a fast from sweets.” Three weeks each have a special focus on energy use and using water and other resources carefully “May doing so draw you closer to God and God’s beautiful Creation!” the campaign's initiators say Many churches in Western and Eastern Europe have a rich musical tradition Music proclaiming the Gospel and performed during church services or concerts attracts people beyond church borders Johann Sebastian Bach is probably one of the most famous Protestant composers of church music in Germany and internationally His St John Passion and St Matthew Passion which provide an in-depth mediation on Jesus' suffering and death Church choirs rehearse for weeks and months for this occasion Lent meditations on Christ's sufferings should not only be for own church benefits but for the oppressed One of the performances of Bach’s St John Passion takes place in the Frauenkirche Dresden This church is a powerful monument for peace reminding its visitors that peace and reconciliation between former enemies are not utopian dreams In her letter to member churches Lent can be understood as “an invitation to draw closer to Christ through intentional spiritual practices while at the same time responding to Christ’s love through compassionate action  Chemin du Pavillon 2,1218 Le Grand Saconnex [email protected]+41 (0)22 791 60 00 whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine (KATU) — The Boys & Girls of Portland Metropolitan Area celebrates their 10-year anniversary by unveiling renovations at the Lionel Clegg Boys & Girls Club on Thursday the celebration of the refurbished club aims to bring together community leaders and partners who are invested in the future of the Lents neighborhood staff from both PCC Structurals and the Boys & Girls Club of the Portland Metropolitan Area along with the families served at the club “This partnership will result in more resources for the families we serve,” said Terry Johnson CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Portland Metropolitan Area “It will increase our capacity to serve kids connect them with new opportunities such as internships and we are excited to expand on the PCC Structurals and Boys & Girls Club partnership.” Officials say the Boys and Girls Club has served the Greater Portland Area for 78 years but directly served the Lents neighborhood for 71 years at this particular location The Lionel Clegg Boys & Girls Club is the corporation's flagship location where they established their very first stand-alone club in 1953 The club was originally the old Lents Elementary School after the Boys and Girls Club was initially founded in 1946 A Portland woman charged with multiple counts of felony animal neglect pleaded guilty in court on Friday Susan Long pleaded guilty to two of the 15 charges of second-degree animal cruelty brought against her The incident began in late August when animal control seized 15 pets from Long’s home after several complaints from concerned neighbors about malnourished animals living in dangerous conditions Multnomah County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Long Judge Leslie Bottomly dismissed the remaining charges and sentenced Long to four years of supervised probation Long must also pay a fine of $641.50 to the Fido Pet Food Bank Read more of KATU's coverage of this story: For millions of Christians around the world this marks the beginning of a spring tradition in honor of Jesus Christ's resurrection on Easter Sunday Here's what to know about Lent and why Christians observe it and reflection observed by many Christians in preparation for Easter The 40-day period of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday ashes are placed on a worshipper's forehead in the shape of the cross When is the first Sunday of Lent 2025?The first Sunday of Lent called Quadragesima Sunday or Invocabit Sunday It is also called Resurrection Sunday and is celebrated as the day Jesus was resurrected from the dead Click HERE for the readings On Ash Wednesday many of us once again picked something to give up for Lent Others may have included something to do for Lent a sort of individual pact with our souls: “I promise to give up chocolate for Lent.” Perhaps we even made the promise to God But there is something more that we must do most often made for us by our parents and godparents this covenant says that we will be children of God and God will be our Father We’ve renewed our baptismal promises many times as adults We are getting ready to do that again at the Easter Vigil and on Easter Sunday The Jewish people were given the Ten Commandments “Today you are making this agreement with the LORD: he is to be your God and you are to walk in his ways and observe his statutes commandments and decrees and to harken to his voice.” Keeping the commandments is a requirement of the agreement we made with God – the covenant between God and us and give us the glory that he has promised Jesus adds an interpretive nuance to the covenant found in the Old Testament He adds the commandment of heroic love: “Love your enemies that you may be children of your heavenly Father.” If you made a promise to give up chocolate for Lent we have also made an agreement with God – a covenant – to be his children and allow him to be our God That’s the agreement that counts most in our lives How we are living up to that agreement is tested by how much we love even our enemies I’ll pray for you to keep this important covenant with God Journey through Lent with The Church in the 21st Century Center's Walking Through Lent & Holy Week Retreat! This two-part virtual retreat is no-cost and will be led with author, retreat facilitator, founder of Mothering Spirit Opening Prayer: Adapted from a pilgrim ritual by Cielle Tewksbury, found on p.2 here Closing prayer: Prayer for the Camino Find a labyrinth near you with the Labyrinth Locator Watch a virtual labyrinth walk from Chartres Cathedral A Guide to Walking the Labyrinth by BC professor Rebecca Valette help us to find your truth and life in each day: In our Hosannas and holy walking on Palm Sunday from the Last Supper to the Garden of Gethsemane In the long road to Calvary on Good Friday And finally in the glorious race to—and from—Easter Sunday’s empty tomb our companion and guide,Through each day of this holiest week.Open our eyes and our mindsTo your presence among us.Transform our lives in the light of Easter joy and hope.May we know we never walk alone Virtual labyrinth walk: takes about 5 minutes Calendar of daily readings for Holy Week from the Catholic Lectionary Prayer guide for the Seven Churches Visitation (Holy Thursday) Become the Branches (Palm Sunday) The hidden days of Holy Week (Monday The two days we need (Good Friday & Holy Saturday) including Everyday Sacrament: The Messy Grace of Parenting and To Bless Our Callings: Prayers She and her husband live in Minnesota with their five sons To learn more about Laura, visit: laurakellyfanucci.com The Church in the 21st Century (C21) Center at Boston College is a catalyst and resource for the renewal of the Catholic Church in the United States Click HERE for the readings And then there was the case of the people who were killed when a tower fell on them They didn’t die in that tragic way because they were guilty Time runs out for the good and for the bad alike Time is a gift that is given to us so that we can make our way to God as Jesus relates in the story of the fig tree that didn’t bear fruit after three years and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future.” God is like the gardener We are alive today because God has given us a reprieve Elsewhere in scripture this is made clearer “The Lord does not delay his promise as some regard ‘delay,’ but he is patient with you not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9) May we use the time of Lent well so that we can “Repent and believe in the Gospel.” a pathway toward Easter and Christ’s victory over death Many Catholics make sacrifices or do something extra to grow in faith during this time of year Lent is also a time in which parishes will offer special activities — a mission extra times for the sacrament of reconciliation service opportunities and even fish fries — to aid in the Lenten journey Here are some suggestions for fasting and feasting as a Lenten practice which involves giving up certain things and focusing on others These practical suggestions can lead us to turn away from things that don’t give life and instead turn toward God Fast from judging others; feast on Christ in them It’s easy to see Jesus in those who show us love But how often do we truly see the face of Christ in those we disagree with We are all made in the image and likeness of God make some changes to the way you live your life “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone.” (John 8:7) Fast from wanting more; feast on being thankful it seems easier to be frustrated by what we don’t have than to be thankful for what we do have It is a choice to acknowledge what we have and to give thanks and love to God Putting others’ needs before ours is another way to express gratitude Think about ways you can share your gifts with others for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) How do we overcome those feelings of worry We can start by understanding that even in the face of anxiety Turn to God in prayer and ask Him to help us surrender to His plan Living in the present moment is another way to overcome anxiety about the future “What if?” we should tell ourselves it’s not worth thinking about in the present moment God works for good in those who love him.” (Romans 8:28) stop and think: “Is this worth it?” The key to overcoming it is to shift the focus to what brings us enjoyment When an intrusive thought enters your mind think of a few things that you enjoy in the present moment Avoid negative self-talk in moments of trial by asking but those who pursue evil will have evil come upon them.” (Proverbs 11:27) Prayer is one of the primary practices of Lent It strengthens us to commit to the other two elements of making a good Lent: fasting and almsgiving One of the best ways to increase our prayer life is to carve out time every day Use an app like Hallow or look for opportunities at your parish to pray in community Prayer allows us to experience the pilgrim journey of Lent more fully It can be challenging to forgive because it requires understanding and generosity One way to focus on forgiving others is to ask ourselves what we want Can we imagine how it might feel to forgive another person rather than stay angry Forgiveness ultimately is a choice that restores healthy relationships with God and one another “If you forgive others their transgressions neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.” (Matthew 6:14-15) resolve to be quiet when faced with the temptation of gossip Other ways we can overcome gossip are to examine our motivation for speaking about another person and assume the best in others we can stop the conversation and resolve to have more positive interactions “No foul language should come out of your mouths but only such as is good for needed edification that it may impart grace to those who hear.” (Ephesians 4:29) “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3:16-17) The Church has always helped us fulfill these words of Jesus by prescribing very definite penance for all Catholics the pope and the American bishops have outlined obligatory fast and abstinence as follows: Ash Wednesday (March 5, OVERSET FOLLOWS:2025) all Fridays of Lent and Good Friday (April 18 2025) are days of abstinence (refraining from meat) for all Catholics from age 14 onwards is also obligatory for those from the ages of 18-59 with two smaller meals and nothing between meals (liquids are permitted) No Catholic will lightly excuse himself or herself from this obligation Louis on Instagram @arch_stl and Facebook @archstl for reflections throughout Lent • Hallow features Catholic content designed to help users dive deeper into prayer. The archdiocese has partnered with Hallow. There will be a special prayer challenge during Lent called Pray 40. Visit archstl.org/pray • Augustine Institute Formed: formed.org • Best Lent Ever daily reflections: dynamiccatholic.com/best-lent-ever • Bishop Barron’s Word on Fire Lenten Reflections: www.wordonfire.org/reflections The St. Louis Review maintains a map of Lenten fish fries throughout the archdiocese. To submit your fish fry, visit www.stlouisreview.com/story/lenten-fish-fries Lent is a time to turn away from the things that aren’t life giving and turn toward God All readers receive 5 stories to read free per month If you are currently receive the St. Louis Review at your home or office, please send your name and address (and subscriber id if you know it) to subscriptions@stlouisreview.com to get your login information If you are not currently a subscriber to the St. Louis Review, please contact subscriptions@stlouisreview.com for information on how to subscribe Discover the latest regional and national news and topics central to the Catholic faith with the St We strive to report on the news from within our archdiocese and throughout the world that is most meaningful and helpful to St We provide information for your Catholic formation to assist you in living the joy of the Gospel in the Archdiocese of St poor families around the world are struggling to access the basic necessities which they need in order to survive children are at risk of acute malnutrition pregnant mothers are not receiving essential care at critical moments during pregnancy and efforts to prevent deadly diseases like measles WASHINGTON - “As Catholics in a global Church we witness to the power of God’s love through our presence and assistance to those who are vulnerable,” said Bishop A Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace Bishop Zaidan encouraged the faithful to remember the vulnerable around the world who are struggling for survival:  Yet we know that each child who is hungry and each mother and father who struggle to care for their family is precious in the eyes of God and is a neighbor in need of our loving care.   which benefits CRS and other efforts by the Church to help those in need The work of CRS helps the Church live out Christ’s call to love our neighbors—without exception—whether next door or across the globe.   that all who are precious in God’s eyes may have what they need to not only survive The men and women who make their living working on the seas include merchants port personnel and many others in the maritime industry.. nine in ten men who will be ordained to the priesthood this year were encouraged to consider this vocation by someone in their life Upon the news from the Holy See announcing the passing of Pope Francis on April 21 six-week season of Lent will begin on Ash Wednesday Ash Wednesday is a day of fast and abstinence Catholics ages 14 and older are to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and every Friday in Lent those who are 18-59 also are obligated to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday (April 18) a person can eat one full meal as well as two smaller meals that together do not equal a full meal Distribution of ashes will take place in churches across the eight-county Diocese of Cleveland At the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in downtown Cleveland, ash distribution will take place during Masses at 7:15 and 11a.m., noon and 7 p.m. As usual, the noon Mass will be livestreamed on the diocesan website is scheduled to celebrate the noon liturgy on Ash Wednesday There will be no confessions in the cathedral on Ash Wednesday The normal confession schedule at the cathedral is 6:30-7 a.m The cathedral will have Stations of the Cross at 5:15 p.m. each Friday in Lent, beginning on March 7. Stations will be livestreamed on the diocesan website In addition to his weekly Scripture reflections, once again Bishop Edward Malesic will have a daily Lenten reflection Click here for a variety of Lenten resources offered by the diocese to help make the season more meaningful Fish fry listings submitted by parishes, schools and other entities in the diocese can be found here Click here to read a Lenten message from Pope Francis Additional Lenten resources from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops are available here Many Georgians will be seen with ashes on their foreheads next week one of the biggest holiday seasons on a church's calendar Lent is defined by Britannica as a "period of penitential preparation." It is generally a time of prayer and charitable giving which lasts 40 days to reflect the story of Jesus Christ's 40 days in the wilderness Say goodbye: These Georgia Joann locations will be shut down permanently when pastors bless congregants' by marking their forehead with ashes The season of Lent ends with Easter Sunday Easter always falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after the first Spring Equinox (which usually falls around March 20) How is Lent celebrated?While the season may look different depending on your denomination Lent is predominantly characterized by not eating meat every Friday as well as Ash Wednesday Fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday (the Friday before Easter) is also popular Many also give up something they love throughout the season. While this may also look different from person to person, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta says it should be "some form of self-denial." But many religious leaders encourage their congregants to do more than what's typical to help those in need and to really consider the messages of this season The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops says some people are excused entirely from these practices including those that are physically or mentally ill as well as pregnant and nursing women Lent is celebrated in some form by many Christian denominations like Catholics some don't celebrate it at all including most Baptists and non-denominational Christians Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for Gannett/USA Today. Find him on X and Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis While the world said goodbye to Pope Francis on Easter Monday, I was bidding farewell to a very different Catholic spokesman: Mark Wahlberg. Forty days and 40 nights earlier, I had downloaded Hallow, the self-described “#1 prayer app in the world” promoted by the actor and hamburger impresario I dedicated my Lent to an immersive exploration of the app—a sort of digital pilgrimage to a cathedral of gamified spirituality My mission, when I explained it to people, was met with a classic theological question: “Why?” Yes, like Wahlberg I was raised in a deeply Irish Catholic community “stay prayed up.” And though I like The Perfect Storm and Daddy’s Home I don’t typically look to Mark Wahlberg for guidance on bringing glory to Christ Did a burning bush instruct me to ride into the app store and denounce the commodification of religion in a table-turning sermon worthy of Matthew and repeatedly tried to sell young me Bibleman tapes I was compelled to try Hallow as a lapsed Catholic I took catechism classes Tuesday evenings and briefly attended St Joseph’s Catholic School (until the tuition became too expensive) I’d even say Mark Wahlberg and I are brothers because that might mean he’d help me open a burger restaurant my engagement with Catholicism has been mostly limited to Christmas and Easter give or take a baptism or Cranberries album reconnect me to that preteen acolyte who went to Mass Every Catholic gives up something for Lent which would be spent answering this question as I submerged myself in the healing e-waters of snackable salvation and joined Hallow I begin with Pray40, the daily Lent “prayer challenge” Hallow kicked off on Ash Wednesday. If the algorithm has marked you as even a little bit Catholic, as it has me, you’ve probably seen Wahlberg spreading the Good News about Pray40 online, no matter how agnostic you currently are (as one baffled TikTok user told the New York Times last year “There were a few days where it just seemed like every other ad was Mark Wahlberg suggesting I pray the rosary with him”) what I hear is not Wahlberg’s unmistakable an actor who plays Jesus in the crowdfunded Biblical TV series The Chosen not that one.) I find Jones’ post as I poke around Hallow’s official blog which also boasts that Hallow has been downloaded over 3 million times across 150 countries But I am taken by a different claim: Hallow says it’s “helped facilitate 25 million prayers.” Prayer facilitation strikes me as an odd audience metric but then again Netflix says Red Notice was watched for 20 billion seconds or whatever I dive in on the app’s more traditional biblical content like Hallow’s “Daily Reading.” That day it’s an Old Testament passage from the Prophet Ezekiel but not exactly “exclusive online content,” considering the Holy Bible is the most widely available book in the history of written language my next pick is a gem: “Daily Reflections with Jeff Cavins,” a video series hosted by Cavins Catholic network EWTN’s biggest star (not counting Jesus) During a series of episodes shot in the Holy Land Cavins didn’t feel the need to put on the same kind of sanctimonious airs as his celebrity colleagues Put the two of us at an IRL Easter brunch together and that conversation could get real uncomfortable Cavins comes off as more interested in the historical Jesus than trying to convince me why premarital sex is evil Not that I didn’t want more star power. And, finally, I get it. Wahlberg eventually makes his Pray40 debut. His appearances, it seems, would be limited to “Fasting Fridays.” Wahlberg dictating Hallow users’ diets is a natural role, since many of his Instagram videos show the actor describing his giant breakfasts while his long-suffering chef “Welcome to Fasting Fridays,” says Wahlberg “It’s an honor to join you this Lent.” Each Friday he will introduce a new “fasting challenge.” Then he throws a curveball and introduces “my friend, Chris Pratt.” I raise an eyebrow. Star-Lord was gonna speak for the actual Lord on Hallow? I thought he belonged to that church founded by the pastor Justin Bieber used to bring on his tour—not Mark Wahlberg hadn’t surprised me this much since the final shot of Boogie Nights he knows a thing or two about discipline,” Wahlberg says I guess we’ll have to pray that Litany of Humility a few more times.” I wonder if a sentence had ever before contained so much Boston Pratt delivers a reading from the Gospel According to Mark (“I believe then Wahlberg delivers his first (fasting) challenge to the listener He asks me to “fast from noise.” Specifically somehow unaware that Hallow itself is on my phone “You all are making it really cool to pray!” you can’t say Hallow isn’t putting money into its product I am overcome with the sheer amount of features the app has There’s a feature that takes you through the rosary a Catholic sleep “Praylist” (10 hours of “peaceful instrumental hymns”) There’s a series called “Bible in a Year,” which Hallow: If I had the discipline to read the entire Bible I wouldn’t be getting my religion through a glorified Duolingo and one for dads called “Be-dad-itudes.” You can listen to Christian content from Gwen Stefani who reads selections from the works of C.S in case you really want to hear Mere Christianity delivered like a threat from a vindictive CIA agent Wahlberg and Pratt continue giving us installments of Fasting Fridays every time you encounter an opportunity to deny yourself remember: Enter into the wounds of Christ crucified Below the quote is an option to share it with my friends I had been keeping my journey mostly private unsure how those close to me would react to their friend’s sudden Catholic zealotry But if I was going to report on the full Hallow experience I couldn’t deliberately avoid certain features out of fear or embarrassment you enter into the wounds of Christ.” I pull up two friends from my contacts a message from me with a message from Mark Wahlberg essentially asking them to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and savior or at least engaged enough to offer constructive criticism: “I can’t help hearing this in Mark Wahlberg’s voice.” Not long after Laetare Sunday (the fourth Sunday of Lent) I want to explore the app’s more interactive features and its most interactive was “Magisterium,” Hallow’s A.I but after three weeks of listening to Hallow’s pastors quote Scripture at me even to a digital mass of  mysterious data “Do you have a question about the faith?” asks Magisterium “I am designed to provide accurate answers based on Catholic teachings using a compound AI system that integrates multiple technologies and regularly updated language models to ensure fidelity to Catholic Tradition.” not the most boring sermon I’ve ever heard “Who was the tallest pope?” It was a softball question a journalistic tactic to build trust with my interview subject I need to be more specific,” says the program “Does height affect papal authority?” and “What are the Church’s views on height?” Huh This chatbot wanted to turn my objective pub-trivia question into a theological argument What started as a playful chat had become an inquisition I feel like Domhnall Gleeson in Ex Machina Mark Zuckerberg’s Facebook added a Hallow-like tool called “Prayer Posts.” The introduction of new Facebook features and the world’s richest man identifying as a “cultural Christian” themselves may be minor events But the idea of Big Tech co-opting the intimate nature of faith a phenomenon literally personified by the religious chatbot before me On the other hand … what were the Church’s views on height? I shrug and click on Magisterium’s question “All physical attributes are part of the human person created in God’s image and should be respected as such,” replies Magisterium I agree with respecting all physical attributes of the human person having narrowly avoided a schism between man and machine I type a final question: “How much is Hallow worth?” Magisterium sorts through an unimaginably vast trove of information and arrives at its answer: “I was unable to find specific information on the exact net worth or valuation of Hallow.” Hallow had developed a chatbot that can explain the nature of God but can’t look up financial news After countless hours of sermons and rosaries and Christian rock playlists and beatitudes and Be-dad-itudes Even my boy Jeff Cavins and his fedora have outstayed their welcome at least not according to the app’s daily biblical quizzes I keep flunking (The betrayal of Jesus for 30 pieces of silver fulfills a prophecy found in Zechariah you idiot!) I couldn’t say I felt more in touch with my Catholic upbringing Even Jim Caviezel managed to get through his appearance without accusing me of supporting an adrenochrome-harvesting pedophilia cabal and above all the people behind the app reminded me how powerful and influential the Catholic Church remains and how that influence can help and comfort my time with Hallow did feel like going to Mass again 2025: This article has been updated to include comment from Pray.com maybe even a bit of resignation—since it is often the case that the vices and defects of this year are so similar to the vices and defects of the previous year The development of moral integrity is slow It can feel that in taking stock of our lives we need only say “ditto” to our previous reflections and that it didn’t require the moral habituation of overcoming ourselves this time There is a sort of religiosity at hand in viewing the moral life through the lens of “decisionism.” In this account one embraces faith in a moment—in an ultimate life-changing decision—and the moral life is understood as discrete and mostly unconnected moments Another opportunity arises—a decision is made But this is a truncated view of human nature and moral agency we act always within a nexus of entanglements with culture and history—including our personal history of experiences Our lives consist of how we choose to distort it.” Previous actions and we become inclined to act in keeping with our second natures but experientially it can seem that the choice immediately in front of us has been already made by the long accumulation of past actions thoroughly informing our desires here and now but it recognizes the reality and obligation of choice A far greater challenge to moral integrity is the widespread view This view says that we are subject to our bodies and historical forces beyond our knowledge and control and we exhibit behaviors rather than actions Behaviors can be modified though some sort of technique but technique is fundamentally different in its function from practical reason in the order of voluntary action which constitutes the moral life In Man in the Field of Responsibility Karol Wojtyła suggests that those who reduce morality to “an aggregate of psychological or sociological phenomena” alienate themselves from actual moral reflection since they reduce the essence of morality to the wrong genus of thought (reductio in aliud genus) from the proper form of reason (reductio in proprium genus); in other words one must understand the very essence of morality without which one is not engaging in moral reflection at all Because utilitarianism tends to view the moral life in the domain of technique we must consider the domain of voluntary action (however conditioned by other factors including our previous choices) from the standpoint of practical reason—that is reason considering not the truth of what already is but the truth of what ought to be done taking this stance presents us with the fundamental essence of the moral life “that I ought to do X.” This is no small recognition for not only does this perspective properly recognize the reality of choice—of doing—along with duties and demands—the ought—but it presents us with the stark unyielding fact that it is I who have acted Choice brings into view not only states of affairs in the world we wish to actualize or avoid but also brings into view that I am the one making this choice This choice not only causes states of affairs—goods and bads in the world and for other people—but this choice makes me good or bad rejecting the errors of both decisionism and all varieties of determinism and it is possible to choose either rightly or wrongly and yet the individual person is responsible for making himself or herself distorted and less morally free “The essence of ‘moralitas’ lies in the fact that a man becomes good or evil through the act.” Lent makes the stark demand that we recognize our moral responsibility and take an honest and searching look at our integrity and distortion recognizing that it is we who have done this to ourselves they cannot make us good or evil—only we can make ourselves good or evil Lent is not merely an occasion to give up chocolate or beer although those are all acceptable ways to do penance Lent is more: an intransigent insistence that humans are free and possess in whatever condition they happen to find themselves So often we wish to ignore or deny our responsibility but that is to deny our dignity and our freedom and by demanding acknowledgment of sins affords us the opportunity to recognize the great glory of our humanity presented with the chance to be fully human and fully free—all by recognizing the shocking reality of our responsibility Image by zatletic and licensed via Adobe Stock If we have to make proof of Christian faith dependent on a willful attitude about… Aristotelian-Thomistic moral philosophy doesn’t imply that every economy should be capitalist Removing religious exemptions will not promote tolerance or inclusiveness It will forcibly strip religious organizations…