Lent

Lent is a favourable season for opening the doors to all those in need and recognizing in them the face of Christ."  - Pope Francis

This year, Lent begins on February 14 as we observe Ash Wednesday. It continues through the afternoon of Holy Thursday, March 28, and ends as we begin the Sacred Paschal Triduum with the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper.

In a particular way during Lent, we are asked to devote ourselves to the spiritual and corporal works of mercy that "remind us that faith finds expression in concrete everyday actions meant to help our neighbors in body and spirit."  Pope Francis reminds us, "God's mercy transforms human hearts; it enables us, through the experience of a faithful love, to become merciful in turn."

At the Cathedral and around our Diocese

Saturday, February 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Young Adult Lenten Retreat
Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Providence
We invite you to join us as we prepare our hearts and minds to enter the sacred and penitential season of Lent. May the Holy Spirit purify each of us so that we may have deeper union with the risen Christ this Easter.
For more information and/or to register

Tuesdays, February 13 through March 26 at 5 p.m.
Stations of the Cross for people with disabilities and their families, followed by Holy Mass
St. Patrick Church, 244 Smith St., Providence
Contact: Irma Rodriguez, Director, Office of the Apostolate with People with Disabilities, 401-278-4578, [email protected]

Fat Tuesday, February 13 at 7 p.m.
A Beer with the Bishop - CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER
Hosted by McVinney Auditorium, 43 Dave Gavitt Way, Providence
Join us in McVinney Auditorium for an evening with Bishop Henning, beginning with an informal talk followed by an opportunity for the audience to ask questions and engage in conversation with His Excellency. Beer and wine available for purchase, Mardi Gras themed snacks will be provided. Free admission.
Register here

February 14 Ash Wednesday Mass at 12 noon
Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Providence with Bishop Richard G. Henning. More.
Watch now

14 de febrero Miércoles de Ceniza
Miercoles de Ceniza - Misas en Español 

February 14 Ash Wednesday ASL Interpreted Mass, 5:30 p.m.
St. Patrick Church, 244 Smith St., Providence
Contact: Irma Rodriguez, Director, Office of the Apostolate with People with Disabilities, 401-278-4578, [email protected]

Ash Wednesday, February 14 through Palm Sunday, March 30
40 Days for Life Lenten Campaign

Fri., March 1 at 7 p.m.
Young Adult Holy Hour and Stations of the Cross
Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Providence
If you are in your 20s or 30s, join us for First Friday devotion in the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Providence. The evening includes Eucharistic Holy Hour, with Stations of the Cross, recitation of the Holy Rosary and the sacrament of Confession is also available. Join us afterward for food and fellowship in the lower Cathedral. More at evangelizeri.org/yae

Monday - Wednesday, March 11 through 13
Lenten Parish Mission: "The Cross of Christ, Our Hope and Salvation" 
Lenten Reflections on Redemptive Suffering
Monday - Wednesday, March 11 through 13
Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Providence Click for schedule and topics 

Tuesday, March 12 at 7 p.m.
McVinney Presents: The Vigil Project
43 Dave Gavitt Way, Providence
Elevate your Lent with the Vigil Project, a collective of musical artists dedicated to leading people to an encounter with God through music. Internationally known musicians featured on the Hallow app and performers at the 2024 National Eucharistic Congress. An inspiring concert for your Lenten journey. This family-friendly concert is free to attend - free will donations accepted. McVinney Auditorium is a project of the Diocese of Providence.
More
Listen here

Saturday, March 16, 2024
Enrich your faith!
Diocesan Faith Formation Convocation
Bryant University, Smithfield, RI
All Catholic adults are invited to be refreshed in their faith, enjoy fellowship with others, and be equipped to discuss the Catholic Faith. Dynamic speaker and author Matthew Leonard will present the Keynote Address, “Further Up, Further In: A Spiritual Clarion Call for Catholics.” Other talks will discuss scripture and various topics within the Catholic faith as well as strategies for sharing the Faith with adults, teens, and children. The day begins with Holy Mass at 8:30 AM. The schedule also includes informative talks, lunch, and Confessions. Purchase tickets and get more information at faithformationconvocation.com or call the Office of Faith Formation at 401.278.4646. Don’t miss out on this exciting day! Deadline to register March 9.
Register now - and click for more information

Sunday, March 17 through Wednesday, March 27
Masses for Holy Week at our Catholic Cemeteries
Please consult the schedule for dates, times and locations or visit ricatholiccemeteries.org. All are welcome!
Schedule

Palm Sunday, March 24 to Easter Sunday, March 31
Celebration of Holy Week in the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Providence
Schedule here

The following Holy Week Masses will be live streamed from the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Providence
Watch here, youtube.com/DioceseofProvidenceRI:

• Sun., March 24, Palm Sunday - 10 a.m.: Bishop Thomas J. Tobin
• Tues., March 26, Chrism Mass - 7 p.m.: Bishop Richard G. Henning, celebrant, Bishop-Elect James T. Ruggieri, homilist
• Thu., March 28, Holy Thursday - 7 p.m.: Msgr. Anthony Mancini, Cathedral Rector
• Fri., March 29, Good Friday - 3 p.m.: Bishop Thomas J. Tobin
• Sat., March 30, Holy Saturday - Bishop Richard G. Henning
• Sun., March 31, Easter Sunday - 10 a.m.: Bishop Richard G. Henning

Sun., March 24 through Sun., March 31
ASL interpreted Masses for Holy Week and Easter
St. Patrick Church, 244 Smith St., Providence, RI, 401-421-7070 

• 9:15 a.m. - Palm Sunday 
• 7 p.m. - Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper - The Deaf community will be honored with having their feet washed remembering Jesus' greatest act of humility
• 7:30 p.m. - Good Friday 
• 7:30 p.m. - Easter Vigil 
• 9:15 a.m. - Easter Sunday 

Contact: Irma Rodriguez, Director, Office of the Apostolate with People with Disabilities, 401-278-4578, [email protected] 

Tuesday, March 26 at 7 p.m.
You and yours are invited to...
The Chrism Mass in the Cathedral of SS Peter & Paul  
Join Most Rev. Richard G. Henning, Bishop of Providence, at this special annual Mass!
Celebrant
Most Rev. Richard G. Henning, S.T.D.
Bishop of Providence 
Homilist
Bishop-Elect James T. Ruggieri
Pastor, St. Patrick and St. Michael the Archangel parishes, Providence
Bishop-Elect of Portland (Maine)
During this Mass, Most Rev. Richard G. Henning, S.T.D., Bishop of Providence, will celebrate and be joined by dozens of concelebrating priests and many deacons from across the diocese. At this Mass, the priests of the diocese renew their priestly promises and the Bishop consecrates and blesses holy oils used in the sacramental rites of the church for the coming year. All are welcome!
Can't join us at the Cathedral? Watch the live stream from the Cathedral at provd.io/live 

• 'You are invited!' with Sister Elizabeth Castro, H.M.S.P.
• Msgr. Mancini explains 'The Holy Oils of the Chrism Mass'
• Msgr. Mancini shares, 'Priestly Promises made at the Chrism Mass'

Fri., March 29 beginning at 9 a.m.
Good Friday Walk 
Kicks off at St. John the Baptist Church, 69 Quincy Ave., Pawtucket
This is a four mile walk to feed the hungry and shelter the homeless. We'll walk through Pawtucket and Central Falls on March 29, beginning at 9 a.m. with a blessing at St. John the Baptist Church Hall, 69 Quincy Avenue, Pawtucket. We'll end the walk back at the Church Hall for a delicious lunch of grilled cheese, chowder, and water. All proceeds from the walk will support Project Hope/Proyecto Esperanza, Hospitality House Soup Kitchen, and Pawtucket Soup Kitchen, aiding the elderly and those with low income or working poor with food, rent, utilities, and prescriptions. This is a family-friendly event. Reminder to wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. For more information call Project Hope/Proyecto Esperanza, 401-728-0515.
Learn more

Find more - from Rhode Island Catholic, our award-winning diocesan newspaper at thericatholic.com

Resources and more

• Guidelines for Lent 2024: Lenten Fast and Abstinence Regulations
• Get inspired! Listen to the the Diocese of Providence's custom Lenten playlist on Spotify 
• Papal Message for Lent
• Calendar for Lent & other Lenten Resources from the US Conference of Catholic Bishops
• Find a Holy Mass near you, visit our Parish Page. *Please contact each parish directly for the most up to date information.*
• Readings for Lent
• Video Reflections
• Stations of the Cross: Overcoming Racism
• Stations of the Cross from Catholic Relief Services/Operation Rice Bowl
• The Sacrament of Reconciliation: A Short Guide
• Resources for Individuals for Lent
• Saints for the Lenten Season
• The Spiritual Works of Mercy
• The Corporal Works of Mercy
• CRS Operation Rice Bowl
• Almsgiving
• Fast & Abstinence
• Lenten Prayer
• Questions & Answers about Lent
• Rediscovering the Sacrament of Penance
• Reflection on Lenten Fasting
• Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
• Six Ways to Evangelize during Lent
• Stations of the Cross
• Ten Things to Remember for Lent