Do Mormons celebrate Ash Wednesday?

[MichaelCraig]

Just wondered...... :)

[john doe]

I celebrate every Wednesday, it means the week is half over.

[pam]

Isn't Ash Wednesday a Catholic thing?

[john doe]

I believe some of the eastern orthodox churches observe it as well.

[JessicaHarper]

I know many people within the Christian faith that celebrate Ash Wednesday that are not Catholic. I know that Methodists, Presbyterians and some Brethern churches do. I would think the Lutheran church would as well, and Episcopalians.

[Celica]

I was just thinking that today.....I was wondering if they celebrated Lent.

Nope not just a Catholic thing, my family is Anglican and they celebrate it. I've also heard of some Lutherns & Epoiscopal churches doing it too.

[Dravin]

This Mormon doesn't even know what Ash Wednesday and Lent are about (though I suppose I could Google it).

[ferretrunner]

I rather like the concept of Lent. It's a time of prayer and reflection leading up to Good Friday and Easter. It can be a very spiritual time.

[pyxiwulf]

Not "celebrate" as Catholic and such churches do, but, at least in my experience, it is recognized unlike other Catholic holidays that get no notice. Maybe this is cultural LDS versus doctrine, but it always manages to get a mention in Sacrament or classes from what I've seen.

[Wingnut]

I know many people within the Christian faith that celebrate Ash Wednesday that are not Catholic. I know that Methodists, Presbyterians and some Brethern churches do. I would think the Lutheran church would as well, and Episcopalians.

We have some friends that are Episcopalian that celebrate Ash Wednesday.

[ADoyle90815]

It's not just a Catholic thing, as several churches observe Lent, as a way to spiritually prepare for Easter. I personally think it's a nice idea as it's a way to remember Christ's death on the cross, and resurrection. Like the LDS church, other Christians believe that Christ rose from the dead. Protestant churches have an empty cross to show that Christ isn't there anymore.

[MichaelCraig]

Thank you everyone. Not exactly sure if my question was explained or answered in a way that my simple mind can grasp but as far as I understand the answer is, NO, LDS folks do not observe Ash Wednesday traditonally and it is not a service held in the local stake on Ash Weds. Or do I have that all wrong???? Ya'll bare with me, I'm from south Ga you know.

[Blackmarch]

Just wondered...... :)

probably depends where you are... things like this would mostly be cultural, and I doubt you'd find many that practiced/observed/celebrated it in utah... just an off the wall guess tho. Our family doesn't.

[john doe]

No, the LDS Church does not participate on Ash Wednesday services.

[Blackmarch]

I imagine that if any did it would likely be those who converted from a church that celebrated it, or were in a family that celebrated it traditionally.

Personally i'd like to get into observing some more of the various holidays from different cultures and religions.

About the only holidays that the Church observes is easter and christmas.. and in the US, fourth of July and thanksgiving.

[john doe]

And the 24th of July, and the Sabbath Day.

[Dravin]

the Sabbath Day.

The original Holiday (aka Holy Day).

[Guest mirancs8]

My family is Apostolic Orthodox and they celebrate Ash Wednesday and Lent as well.

[CornMuffinsMama]

It's not just a Catholic thing, as several churches observe Lent, as a way to spiritually prepare for Easter. I personally think it's a nice idea as it's a way to remember Christ's death on the cross, and resurrection. Like the LDS church, other Christians believe that Christ rose from the dead. Protestant churches have an empty cross to show that Christ isn't there anymore.

Catholics also believe that Jesus rose from the dead. A common misconception I've seen is that many people think that the crucifix means a belief that Jesus is still on the cross when it's not that at all. In fact, in the Apostle's Creed and Nicene Creed, one of which is recited every Mass, states that Jesus rose from the dead on the third day. The crucifix has Jesus as a reminder of what Jesus went through, the great sacrifice that He made to grant us forgiveness and eternal life. I myself prefer the crucifix over the cross, not because I want to focus on the suffering and crucifixion above the resurrection and salvation, but as a reminder that if Jesus was willing to go through all that He did and give his very life, to suffer as He did, surely I can make the small an (in comparison) insignificant sacrifices that are asked of me to live life in a manner that is pleasing and glorifying to God. Why should I complain about being told to abstain from having a margarita and a chai latte when Jesus went through all that He did without complaining and said "Father forgive them"? And yes, I am a Mormon.

Thank you everyone. Not exactly sure if my question was explained or answered in a way that my simple mind can grasp but as far as I understand the answer is, NO, LDS folks do not observe Ash Wednesday traditonally and it is not a service held in the local stake on Ash Weds. Or do I have that all wrong???? Ya'll bare with me, I'm from south Ga you know.

I think a good way to put it would be that the Church does not observe Ash Wednesday but some members individually may choose to. I do, except I wasn't able to go to the service because I had a sick baby.

[Moksha]

Shrove Tuesday or Mardi Gras as it is sometimes known is always something to celebrate.

Ash Wednesday is a day of repentance and is the first day of Lent. Lent is in reference to the time Jesus spent in the desert with some Sundays added in for good measure.

We have Pioneer Day.