“Come and See”: Ash Wednesday Prayer Service Marks the Start of Lent at CDH

On the morning of Feb. 18, the Cretin-Derham Hall community gathered in the Joe Mauer Field House for an Ash Wednesday Prayer Service, marking the beginning of the Lenten season. Planned by Campus Ministry and shared by the entire school, the service invited students, faculty and staff into reflection through the theme, “Come and See.”

Music played a central role in the morning’s prayer. Nora Tacheny '28 sang alongside her father, Steven Tacheny, while Zoe Hughes '27 accompanied them on guitar for a moving rendition of “Home,” a piece composed by Mr. Steven Tacheny. The collaboration invited the community to “come and see” faith lived out in family and song.

Kaylee Munson '29 and Delilah Schuster also shared their musical gifts, accompanied by Bridget Bower '26 on guitar, with a performance of “Landslide.” In addition, the CDH Choir performed “Stardust,” a song written in memory of those gone too soon, particularly victims of racial violence. The piece included the words “Kum buba ya li, tambe,” drawn from Virginia Hamilton’s book The People Could Fly. These “magic words” have no direct translation and symbolize how Africans were forcibly removed from their culture and heritage — and with it, their ability to “fly.” The song serves as a call to justice, asking listeners to reflect on how they will use the life they are given each day. Its message closely echoed the service’s invitation to “come and see” — to notice, to reflect and to respond.

The readings also helped set the tone for Lent. From the Prophet Joel came the call to “return to me with your whole heart,” a reminder that Lent is not simply about outward practices, but about sincere conversion and trust in God’s mercy. In the Gospel of John, Jesus’ invitation to the first disciples — “Come and see” — echoed the service’s theme, encouraging the community to follow, to remain with him and to seek what they are truly looking for.

Living Lent at CDH

Throughout the season, the school will share a Lenten calendar of daily reflections and suggested practices, inviting students, faculty and staff to grow through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Each day offers a simple way to be intentional — from setting Lenten goals and exploring meatless meals to examining one’s conscience, praying for peace or participating in the Stations of the Cross.

In addition, Campus Ministry plans to create a prayer wall where students can submit intentions in a designated box. On Mondays during Flex, a brief prayer service will be held to lift up those intentions as a community. While final details are still being arranged, the goal is to offer meaningful opportunities for reflection and shared prayer throughout the Lenten journey.