In Observance

It may seem earlier than usual this year, but yes it's true, Ash Wednesday is tomorrow, February 21st. A lot of people seem to forget this religious day, and often times forget to go to their church or parish to have these ashes placed upon their head. College students, who do practice their faith, often forget about this religious day because of the ever so busy schedules. It's as if they find any excuse under the sun not to take part in it. But Monmouth University students and employees, especially those who want to take part in observing this day, don't have an excuse anymore.

Monmouth University's Catholic Center, in the observance of Ash Wednesday, will be bringing in a local Priest in to conduct prayer services and to give out the important ashes. Father Joe Farrell will be on capus tomorrow afternoon to help MU students and employees observe thi day at 12:05 pm, 12:45 pm, and at 1:30 pm in Wilson Auditorium.

It seems that a lot of people observe this day without really knowing or understanding what Ash Wednesday truly is. Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. Lent is the time (46 days to be exact) before Easter Sunday. Technically thought, Lent is thought to be only 40 days long since each Sunday is not counted because often times, most Catholics believe Sunday's to be "little Easter."

So, now that you know what it is it is, why are ashes placed upon ones head? The priest normally places the ashes in the shape of a cross on ones head to show that that person recieving the ashes, as a repentance before God. It's also known for many practicing Catholics to fast and to abstain from eating meat on this day.

It's a good thing that Monmouth University 's Catholic Center is taking the time out to observe this imporant religious day. It not only helps those who are Catholic in the Monmouth community, but it also helps when their days and nights get too busy to stop by their local church or parish.

"I think it's good because it gives people the opportunity to fulfill a holy day of observation," says Christina Delbane, secretary in the Monmouth University Communication Department.

Having the Catholic Center host such religious days isn't only important to the Catholic Center. It is also important to those who chose to take part in such religious days of observation. It's imporant because most have to go out of their way to observe such a day. At least for the people who work and go to school here, these services are just footsteps away.

The Catholic Center not only offers prayer services for this one specific day, it also will hold a number of services during the Lent/Easter Season.

"Mass will be celebrated every Wednesday during the season of Lent in Withey Chapel (Wilson Hall) at 12:05 pm," said Sharon Codd, announcing the obersvance day to the Monmouth University community.

So if you're a practicing Catholic, who wants to observe this Holy day, please remember that Monmouth University's Catholic Center is here for you to use, whether it's a Holy day or not.