CCM Does Easter/ Lent

By Lauren Fels and Felix (Seeby) Jarvis-Earle

Shrove Dinner

This year, CCM celebrated Shrove Dinner together before beginning the season of Lent. Shrove Dinner comes from the word Shrovetide which for 16th century British Christians was their celebration before Lent where they would eat a meal consisting of eggs, dairy, and fat, common items to give up for Lent. That’s why we celebrated Shrove Dinner with not just a potluck of all kinds of foods brought by members of the CCM community like wings and various sweets, but we kicked off the dinner by making a variety of pancakes all together as a reminder of where the tradition came from originally.

Other places call this dinner, Mardi Gras, like in Louisannaia, or Fasching in Germany, but all of these celebrations have the same meaning, it is the last period before one commits oneself to “take away their flesh” during the period of Lent. Shrove Dinner was a great opportunity to enter into the Lenten season as a community, and we are excited to be able to have a dinner like this again and aim to continue this CCM tradition.

Ash Wednesday Mass

Every year, Ash Wednesday opens the season of Lent. This is a time of prayer and fasting. This past Lent, CCM was able to kick off the Lenten season by celebrating Ash Wednesday Mass on campus. There was a Mass in Talley 3285 at 12:30, and in the Piedmont  Mountains Ballroom at 7 pm. This was a great way for students with the same faith to come together and support each other in the season of growing. Elizabeth Ampolini said, “Ash Wednesday mass was very nice. It was cool to see so many Catholics come together.”

Ashes symbolize mourning, mortality, penance, and the ashes that God made man from. They are also a reminder that God is merciful to those who call on Him. Traditionally, the ashes are made from the palms from last year’s Palm Sunday. As Father Tighe put the ashes on each person’s head, he said one of two things. Either“Repent and believe in the gospel” or “Remember you are dust, and to dust, you shall return.” These words allowed students to reflect as they began their Lenten journey. With Lent
being a time of fasting, the tradition is to give something up for the entire Lenten season. Ash Wednesday Mass was a great way for students to find people to help keep them accountable and get in the right mindset to begin this journey.

Stations and Spaghetti

CCM also held a ‘Stations and Spaghetti’ event for students. This was an opportunity to participate in the Stations of the Cross and enjoy a meal as Lent came to an end. This took place at the Doggett Center, and there was a great turn out for this event. While this did make it less manageable to see each station, everyone was able to follow along with provided booklets. The number of people eager to take part in the Stations of the Cross was a great sign of the work God was doing in CCM during the Lenten season.

This took place on a Friday and was also a good way to help keep everyone accountable about fasting from meat. Meatless spaghetti was served after the Stations of the Cross took place. Everyone gathered in the surrounding rooms and the tables that were set up in the open area outside of the doors. It was a great way to meet new people and continue building existing relationships. As Lent came to a close, some people in CCM also gathered together to watch the Passion together. This was another great way to reflect on what Jesus has done for us as Easter approached.

Chrism / Holy Thursday Mass

CCM was able to celebrate the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral and Holy Thursday Mass in Talley during Holy Week this year. At the Chrism Mass, CCM students were able to see the blessing of the oils that will be used by the Diocese of Raleigh throughout the year including the Chrism oil which is used in Baptism and by the Bishop during Confirmation ceremonies. With the Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral being close by, it was an amazing opportunity for students in our community to see the blessing of the oils that would be used just a few days later at the Easter Vigil on the members of our community participating in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).

Easter Vigil

Many CCM students gathered together to attend the Easter Vigil Mass at the Cathedral.  The Easter Vigil Mass completes the Triduum and celebrates the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  The Sacraments of Baptism, Communion and Confirmation are also celebrated, and several men and women become Catholic and join the Church. It starts at 8:30pm after the sun has set.  There is a big bonfire at the start of Mass, and there are many beautiful songs sung throughout the Mass. A theme within the Vigil that Bishop Luis Zarama pointed out is that it is the contrast between light and dark. The Easter Vigil begins with the Cathedral being lit enough where parishioners can walk in, and the lights come back on when the Easter season begins later in the Mass. Easter Vigil typically lasts around 2 hours. CCM was blessed to have a few students included in RCIA class that entered the Church on this sacred night. Congrats to everyone who has entered into the Church.  Welcome home!