The Season of Lent

The liturgical season of Lent is upon us. As with the change of natural seasons, people should be able to perceive that something is different as we change into another liturgical season. To the point, people arriving at church starting this Wednesday should notice that things are different, and the changes should bring Lent to their minds. The liturgical documents specify the minimum:

• The color of the liturgical season is purple.
• Flowers may not be used to decorate the altar.
• Alleluia and the Gloria is not to be said or sung.
• Musical instruments may only be used to accompany singing.

Beyond that, there are other things that can be done. Here is a short list of other things that some parishes do:

• Change the Mass setting (the musical compositions that are used for the Eucharistic Prayer acclamations and the Lamb of God); some parishes even use the traditional Latin chants for the Holy, holy, holy and the Lamb of God.
• Eliminate all musical instruments except for the organ, played on just one or two stops.
• Use the "Form a" for the Penitential Rite ("I confess to almighty God…"), then sing or chant the Kyrie litany.
• Go beyond just removing the flowers and remove all green plants from the church, replacing them with bare branches.
• Greatly simplify all decorations, such as using a minimal altar covering and very plain banners (if any are used at all).
• Set up an Operation Rice Bowl display to highlight the Lenten disciplines of prayer, fasting, and giving.
• Add extra prominence to the Stations of the Cross.

In signs perceptible to the senses, we should know it's Lent right away and throughout the entire liturgy.