Dear Christians, what favourite thing are you giving up for Lent?

Shrove Tuesday, celebrated yesterday, was the last day of indulgence before Christians traditionally move into a 40-day period of abstinence (Lent) that marks the lead up to Easter, April 16. Followers ceremoniously place ashes on their foreheads, often in the formation of a cross, to spread a message of repentance and change.

At Christmas there was another parish down at the supermarket taking confession, so we’re just there to help people out like that and make it as easy as possible for them.

Those observing Lent will typically fast on Ash Wednesday by eating only one large meal or two small meals that do not contain any meat.

Contemporary Lenten practices vary widely from denomination to denomination.

Art Garrett III, whose family has operated Acadian Religious and Gift Shop in Lafayette for 54 years, said books – some new, some standards – can guide the faithful through Lent in meaningful ways.

He said although Lent was a penitential season, it was also a joyful season.

The period of reflection is marked by fasting, both from food and festivities. Sundays are holy celebrations of Jesus’ resurrection, and are not counted as part of the 40 days of Lent. “In a time when we hear relentless reports about how divided we are as a nation and culture, it’s even more important that we gather to remember our shared human-ness and connection to God”.

“It is a humbling experience and a time when you fill yourself with the Lord”, Maki said.

Janet Healy, her husband Tony Healy, his sister Dolores Healy, Allene Dotson, Mike Stovall and his wife Wendy Stovall, left to right, chat at the Shrove Tuesday pancake supper at the Cathedral Church of St. Mark in Salt Lake City on February 28, 2017.

Some of the participating churches in the Chicago area include Unity Lutheran Church in Edgewater, Holy Covenant Metropolitan Community Church in Brookfield, and Berry United Methodist Church in Lincoln Square.

Most believers tend to give up something until Lent ends to “purify” their bodies. He expects majority to be teenagers.

“I think that combination has been what’s drawn people in”, Krammes said.