Beginning on Ash Wednesday and ending with sunset on Holy Thursday, Lent is a time for deeper reflection, and surrender to God through greater prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. As we prepare for the celebration of Holy Week, culminating with Easter Sunday, we renew our connection to Christ’s baptism, death, and resurrection.
Whether you are looking for ways to get the most out of this Lenten season or have been away from the Church for a while: Welcome! Check back here for more resources and information as we travel through this season of Lent together.
Fat Tuesday
The Feast before the Fast
Fat Tuesday, also known as Shrove Tuesday, is the day before Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent. It’s traditionally a time of feasting before the fasting period begins.
Historically, Catholics used this day to consume rich foods like eggs, milk, and butter—often by making pancakes. This practice not only provided a final celebration before Lent but also helped clear out pantry staples that were traditionally restricted during the fasting period. Making pancakes became a practical and symbolic way to use up these ingredients before the season of sacrifice began.
Here is a pancake recipe to kick off your Shrove celebrations. Enjoy this tradition as a meaningful way to prepare for the spiritual journey of Lent!
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup milk
- 4 eggs, separated
- 2/3 cup unbleached all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 pinches salt
- grated zest (yellow part only without underlying white pith) of 2 lemons
- 2 cups ricotta, preferable fresh
- 1 pint ripe strawberries, hulled, washed and sliced 1/4 inch thick
- whipped cream
- confectioners' sugar
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DIRECTIONS
- Place the strawberries in a medium size bowl and drizzle them with honey. Toss gently and let them stand, tossing them once or twice.
- In a large bowl, beat the milk, egg yolks, flour, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest until well blended. Add ricotta and blend gently, leaving some of the curds whole. In a medium-size bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until they form stiff peaks when the beaters are lifted from them. Add about one fourth of the whites to the ricotta mixture and with a rubber spatula gently fold them in, scraping the ricotta mixture from the bottom of the bowl over the whites. Fold in the remaining whites in the same way.
- Grease a griddle and heat it over medium-high heat until a drop of water dances quickly across the surface. Pour the batter by quarter cupfuls onto the griddle and cook until the underside is a lacy golden brown, about 2 minutes. Flip the pancakes and cook the second side until light brown, about 1 minute.
- Stack the pancakes on a plate and keep them warm, covered with a kitchen towel, while cooking the remaining batter. Serve the pancakes warm, topping each serving with some of the strawberries and their juices, a dollop of whipped cream, and a sprinkling of confectioners’ sugar.
- NOTE: There are many options available if, like most kitchens, your kitchen doesn’t have a built in griddle. Many house wares stores stock oval cast-iron griddles long enough to fit over two stovetop burners. In addition to cooking pancakes like these, they come in very handy for other things, like the Griddle-Crisped Spring Chicken. If you cannot find this type of griddle, try the square, non-stick type and cook the pancakes in smaller batches.
Ash Wednesday
Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.
Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, is observed with an ancient tradition wherein Catholics receive a mark made of ash on their foreheads. These ashes are usually made of burned palm fronds from the previous Palm Sunday and represent an outward symbol of a commitment to humility and repentance during the season of Lent.
Join us this Ash Wednesday as we begin Lent together. To find a parish near you:
Lent
The Archdiocese invites you to flip through and download the free activity book below. Come together as a family in prayer, creativity, and grace to make crafts in the spirit of Lent.
Lent is a sacred season of preparation, reflection, and renewal leading up to Easter. It is a time for deepening our faith through prayer, fasting, and acts of charity. The Archdiocese of New York has prepared a simple guide explaining what you need to know to observe Lent in 2025. This three page booklet explores such topics as:
- Why do we receive ashes on Ash Wednesday?
- What is fasting and why do we do it?
- How can I deepen my Lenten experience?
- When are the different events of Holy Week?
- And more!
Reconciliation Monday
Even now, says the Lord, return to Me with your whole heart.
Confession will be offered in all Parishes throughout the entire Archdiocese of New York on Monday, March 30, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Holy Week
The week before Easter is known as Holy Week. It begins with Palm Sunday and ends on Easter Sunday. During this week, Catholics keep watch as we participate in Palm Sunday and Jesus’ entrance to Jerusalem, the Last Supper on Holy Thursday, the Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday. Finally, we rejoice on Easter Sunday with the triumphant Resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
If you are looking for a church to visit this Easter season, use our Parish Finder to find one near you. There are nearly 300 parishes included for you to consider. From there, you will be able to find a link to their individual website or contact information to learn more about their schedule this season.
Holy Week at St. Patrick’s Cathedral
There are several ways to join with us at St. Patrick’s Cathedral for Holy Week:
- Listen to Saint Patrick’s Cathedral Holy Week Services on the Catholic Channel on Sirius XM.
- Please note: a subscription to Sirius XM is required.
- Via livestream on the St. Patrick’s Cathedral website.
- Via livestream on the St. Patrick’s Cathedral YouTube channel.
- Live broadcast on the Catholic Faith Network.
- Via livestream on The Good Newsroom website.
Find the complete schedule of Holy Week Masses at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on saintpatrickscathedral.org.