HOW LENT USED TO BE

Some of you weren't even born when the following picture was taken.  To let you younger folks see how it used to be, I am posting a photo which I have posted on other occasions but it is one that makes me gasp - no matter how often I see it.  It was taken at the mens' Mission held at St Patrick's Church during Lent of 1953.  A full house or what?

Mens' Mission, St Patrick's Church, Lent 1953

Perhaps some of you weren't even born when this notice appeared in a Sunday Bulletin. However, there are still many of us who remember those austere days of bygone Lenten Seasons.  

From St Patrick's Church Bulletin, Passion Sunday, 1968

I found it on the St Patrick's Parish website.  It is an excerpt from the Sunday Bulletin for Passion Sunday, 31st March 1968.  It clearly illustrates how seriously Lent was taken and how the Church helped us prepare for the celebration of Easter.  

Just in case the children thought Easter was all about eggs and rabbits, their spiritual welfare was also well provided for, as this note from the same Sunday Bulletin confirms.

Boys and girls are not forgotten

Perhaps Lent isn't quite as austere as it used to be but it is still a time for reflection and renewal.  Fortunately for us, the Church still helps us along the path that takes us to the real and joyful meaning of Easter.

Just in case you are wondering what "Passion Sunday" is, follow this link and all will be revealed. 
http://www.beliefnet.com/columnists/deaconsbench/2010/03/what-is-passion-sunday.html