St. Joseph’s College will distribute ashes to students next week on Ash Wednesday at the St. George/Clark Residence hall in Brooklyn Heights for the first time.
Sister Marie Mackey, SJC Brooklyn’s campus ministry director, will be at the residence hall at 8 p.m. this Wednesday, Feb. 26, to offer ashes to students.
Sister Marie Mackey
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the repentant period of Lent, observed by Catholics, as well as many other Christians.
S. Marie said the action comes in response to requests from off-campus housing residents.
“This will give students an opportunity to properly kick off Lent,” S. Marie said. “Campus ministry is trying to have a bigger presence in the residence hall.”
Also that day, a special Mass will be held in the Kennedy Chapel in Burns Hall. Those who attend the Mass will receive a four-inch cross that could comfortably sit in the palm of a hand, added S. Marie.
“Hopefully people will keep the cross on their nightstand, their desk at work, or in their backpack,” S. Marie said. “It’s a visual reminder that during Lent you should be more mindful.”
