Bishop Mark J. Seitz joins UTEP students, faculty in celebration of Ash Wednesday service

Maria Cortes Gonzalez, El Paso Times
·2 min read
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Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season. It occurs approximately six weeks before Easter Sunday.

The purpose of Ash Wednesday is to help Christians prepare for Lent and the marking of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection. Traditionally, observers do not eat meat while fasting on Ash Wednesday and Fridays.

Thousands of Christians, including Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists and Baptists, observe Lent by doing some penance, reflection and fasting throughout the 40 days of Lent.

Bishop Mark J. Seitz led the Ash Wednesday service for students and faculty at the University of Texas at El Paso's Tomas Rivera Conference Center.

What is Ash Wednesday? Here's what to know as Catholics and Christians begin Lent

UTEP students and faculty pray as Bishop Mark J. Seitz celebrates Mass on Ash Wednesday at the university's Tomas Rivera Conference Center.
UTEP students and faculty pray as Bishop Mark J. Seitz celebrates Mass on Ash Wednesday at the university's Tomas Rivera Conference Center.

In an earlier broadcast on the Catholic Diocese of El Paso's Facebook page, Seitz said he sees Lent similar to many people, first dreading a bit that it's coming and then taking the time to do some "serious reflecting on my life. But when it comes, I think it's OK and I'm glad to be here."

The bishop also said Lent is not a time for show, to do things just for people to see.

"Not to say that we are not going to do things that people will see that give them a good example. But we don't do it in order for them to be impressed with us. In order to remain faithful, to not let that creep into our life, we need to make sure, according to Jesus' teaching, that we are also doing some things that nobody sees.

Bishop Mark J. Seitz celebrates Mass on Ash Wednesday with UTEP students and faculty at the Tomas Rivera Conference Center.
Bishop Mark J. Seitz celebrates Mass on Ash Wednesday with UTEP students and faculty at the Tomas Rivera Conference Center.

"That we are praying even when people aren't looking at us. That we're serving even when people don't notice. That we're just doing acts of kindness and things maybe no one will ever be aware of. That's how we remain faithful," he said.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Ash Wednesday service held by Bishop Mark J. Seitz for UTEP students