Lent is a religious observation that many Christians around the world follow. Although the start date may vary slightly among different denominations, the focus remains on Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.
The 40-day devotional echoes the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert and enduring temptation by Satan, as described in the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke.
Lent is a period marked by grief, repentance and preparation for Easter. It is a time when Christians are encouraged to spend more time praying on Jesus’ teachings, following the self-discipline of fasting, and seeking ways to give of their time or money through almsgiving.
Lent is a personal invitation to reflect on Jesus’ final days and hours leading to His crucifixion on Good Friday. It is an opportunity to recognize the everlasting life purchased through Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection.
In addition to regularly scheduled daily and weekend Masses, the following 2025 Lenten journey is being led by the Pagosa Springs Catholic Community. Pope John Paul II Catholic Church (JPII) is located at 353 S. Pagosa Blvd. and Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) is located at 455 Lewis St. For more information, visit ihmjp2.
org.
Upcoming Lenten events
Wednesday, March 5
The Ash Wednesday Mass options are JPII (8 a.m. or 5:30 p.m.) and IHM (12:15 p.m.). There will be a meatless soup and salad potluck following the 5:30 p.m. Mass at JPII.
March 5 to April 11
Stations of the Cross at JPII every Friday at 7 p.m. and every Wednesday at IHM following 4 p.m. Rosary.
Lenten Adoration and Benediction at JPII from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. every Thursday.
The 29th Annual Knights of Columbus Fish Fry will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at JPII every Friday starting March 7. There will be inside dining or drive-through available. The $15 meal includes two fish fillets, home-cut fries and coleslaw.
April 12 and 13
Visit ihmjp2.org for the Palm Sunday Mass schedule.
April 17
The Holy Thursday Mass will be at JPII at 7 p.m.
April 18: Good Friday
Put Hill Pilgrimage will start at IHM at 2 p.m. and proceed to JPII. There will be water stations along the route. There will be Stations of the Cross in the Prayer Garden behind JPII at 4:30 p.m.
The Good Friday Liturgy Service will be at JPII starting 5:30 p.m.