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.
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.
Click the images below to download individual coloring sheets for easy printing.
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, Diocese of Brooklyn, and the Diocese of Rockville Centre on Monday, April 14, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in preparation for Easter.
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.
Please check back here for the complete schedule of Masses at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, along with downloadable programs.
Easter
Easter Sunday at St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Easter Sunday: April 20, 2025
(Tickets are only required for 10:15 AM Mass)
Masses: 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 8:45 AM, 12 Noon, 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM (Spanish), and 5:30 PM
Easter Sunday Mass: 10:15 AM (Livestream) (Tickets Required) | Timothy Cardinal Dolan, celebrant
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!
Fluffy Ricotta Pancakes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
- 3/4 cup milk (not nonfat)
- 2 large eggs, separated
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Butter, for cooking
If your ricotta contains excess moisture, place it in a fine mesh strainer and allow it to drain for about 30 minutes before cooking. If the ricotta is already firm and dry, you can skip this step.
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until well combined.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, mix the ricotta, milk, egg yolks, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the ricotta mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
- Using a handheld mixer, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form (or whisk by hand).
- Stir a small portion of the beaten egg whites into the batter to lighten it, then gently fold in the rest with a spatula.
Cooking Instructions:
- Heat a griddle or skillet over medium-high heat and lightly coat it with butter.
- Use a 1/3-cup measure to pour the batter onto the hot griddle. Cook for 3–4 minutes, until the bottom is golden and bubbles appear on the surface.
- Flip the pancakes and cook for another 2–3 minutes until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining batter.
Serve immediately with maple syrup, fruit jam, lemon curd, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Enjoy!
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:
