Ecumenical Ash Wednesday Youth Day set for Feb. 17

MORRISBURG  – Following in a tradition over four years old, several local churches have joined together to present a unique and exciting Ecumenical Ash Wednesday Youth Day on Wednesday, February 17, open to all area children ages 4-18. This year’s Youth Day will be centred in St. James Anglican Church in Morrisburg, and will run from 8:30 a.m. until 3:15 p.m.

The theme for this 2010 Ash Wednesday Youth Day gathering is “Jesus is the Light of the World.”

The Ash Wednesday event has been organized by clergy and volunteers from the Anglican parishes of Morrisburg-Iroquois, North Dundas - Ingleside and Long Sault; the Evangelical Lutheran parish of South Dundas; the Dunbar-Morrisburg Presbyterian Churches and the Knox Presbyterian Church of Iroquois.

Traditionally, on Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, Christians gather at the altar and have ashes placed on their foreheads in the sign of the cross. The ashes are meant to be a reminder of the need for people to think about their sins, and to reflect and repent before Easter.

Last year, nearly 100 children and young people joined adult volunteers for activities that ranged from outdoor games to arts and crafts, music, stories and plenty of indoor activities.

The 2010 Youth Day has similar exciting events planned.

A delicious lunch, and plenty of snacks and drinks will be provided to all the children taking part in Ash Wednesday Youth Day.

This year organizers ask that each participant bring a plain white t-shirt with him/her, as one of the scheduled activities will include creating a unique personal memento of the day. (Children should also have warm clothing for the outdoor fun.)

Participants are also asked to bring some items of non-perishable food with them; these gifts will be taken to the Dundas Food Bank by the older children. Youth Day participants will be writing letters to the people of Haiti, remembering them in their time of trouble.

“This day is about giving the children an opportunity to experience God’s love, and to learn more about the importance of Jesus’ life,” said Doug Peters, Youth Director of the Anglican parishes.

The Ecumenical day begins at 8:30 a.m. on February 17, at St. James Church on High Street, Morrisburg, and runs until 3:15 p.m. Registration forms are available now from clergy and area churches, or by calling 613-543-3904. However, parents are welcome to come to St. James on Wednesday and register their children directly. Area schools are aware of the Ecumenical Youth Day on February 17. Students should inform their principals of their participation. The entire day will be fully supervised by a team of over 20 adult volunteers.

Ash Wednesday Youth Day will end with a special ecumenical service at St. James at 2:30 p.m.  Parents, grandparents and friends are very welcome to join the children for this service.