Senior Audrey Johnston places ashes on the forehead of seventh grader Daniel Angelo.

Faculty, staff, and students gathered in the gymnasium for the distribution of ashes on Wednesday. Ash Wednesday marks the first day of Lent, the season of preparation for Christ’s Resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Four stories of forgiveness (Jesus Heals A Man Born Blind; Loaves and Fishes; Woman Caught in Adultery; and Crucifixion of Jesus) were told. Students acted out each story behind a sheet and spotlight.

“In a drastic attempt to reach His people, God sent His only son, Jesus, to physically be present to us and to teach us about God’s Kingdom of love,” read Molly Oyer. “In the New Testament, we hear how His son Jesus continued to show God’s people just how much God loved them and was willing to forgive and heal them. Our God is pure love and continues to offer that love to us.”

One of the stories told and acted out by the students was the Crucifixion of Jesus.

The Jubilee group, which includes both students and faculty, along with some instrumental and vocal soloists, provided the music for the Mass.

Following the distribution of ashes, Peer Ministers in Social Justice introduced this year’s Lenten Drive, which will help educate the girls in CBA’s twin school, the Child Discovery Center in Nakuru, Kenya. Over 28 million girls in Africa never step foot inside a school. This lack of education results in women being unable to support themselves or their families. It leads to very early marriages, infant mortality due to pregnancies at a young age, malnutrition from ignorance, and the general economy suffers. Various collections and homeroom competitions amongst each grade will take place over the next several weeks of Lent.

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