Bahrain Anglican News       Online

Church Calendar

 January - February, 2008

January
Fri. 4th –  Sun. 6th Jan Epiphany
Fri. 11th –  Sun.13th Epiphany 2
Fri. 18th –  Sun.20th Epiphany 3
Fri. 25th –  Sun.27th Epiphany 4
February
Fri. 1st –  Sun. 3rd Presentation of Christ in the temple - Candlemass
Wednesday 6th Ash Wednesday – Beginning of Lent
Fri. 8th –  Sun. 10th Lent 1
Fri. 15th –  Sun.17th Lent 2
Fri. 22nd –  Sun. 24th Lent 3
Fri. 29th  
March

Sun. 2nd

 Lent 4 - Mothering Sunday
Fri. 7th - Sun. 9th Lent 5

Sun.9th

 Cathedral AGM - 6.45 p.m. Coffee Room

Please note the Cathedral Annual General Meeting is planned to be held on Sunday 9th March at 6.45 p.m. in the Coffee room after evensong.
 
 
The Christian holy season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on Wednesday 6th February.

In the early centuries of Christianity Lent was associated with the preparation for adult baptism which usually took place on Easter Eve, the day before Easter Sunday. It was a period when individuals prepared themselves, under the guidance of the church, to take the big step into a new life as a Christian. From the 6th century onwards with the rise in the preference for infant baptism the emphasis on this baptismal preparation declined in favour of a general preparation of fasting and almsgiving for the great festival of Holy week and Easter. In more recent times, although these personal disciplines have remained, Lent has focused much more on personal awareness of the Christian faith by spiritual reading, more sustained attendance at worship and generous giving to needy causes to enhance personal spiritual growth and commitment.
 

On Ash Wednesday two opportunities are available at the cathedral for
us to begin Lent well:

12noon.

 Eucharist, with a time of reflection and the imposition of ashes, followed by a hunger lunch at 1.00 p.m.
6.30 p.m. Eucharist and the imposition of ashes

A selection of books will be available at the beginning of Lent for those who want suggestions for suitable reading material and the Dean is happy to give direction and help to individuals who wish to make Lent a positive and fulfilling preparation for Easter.
AH