Ash Wednesday – Wednesday 22nd February
The beginning of Lent and a day of fast and abstinence. Ashes will be blessed and distributed at Mass in Clarecastle at 10am & 7pm and in Ballyea at 8pm.

Lent is a time of renewal and new beginnings. It’s a time for us to enter into the sufferings and death of Jesus, before celebrating the joy and hope of Easter. It’s a time for us to reflect in a special way on God’s Word.
Our focus shouldn’t just be on earthly things. Lent reminds us that there is more to life than the physical world. We’re all guilty of getting caught up in the practicalities of life; it’s only natural to work and rush and plan and worry. Lent offers us an opportunity to reflect on what’s really important. The sacrifices we make or the extra effort we put into becoming better people during Lent are all part of the spiritual journey.