By Ken Bresnan, Parish Outreach Liaison, Catholic Charities

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think about the coming season of Lent?

Naturally, you may think of the meaning of Lent and the good that it can do us, or fasting and religious obligations.

But what about preparation for the Lenten season? What is the true meaning of Lent and what would be the best way to prepare for it?

MARDI GRAS! 

So grab your spouse, your friends and your family, think New Orleans, and join us for “Laissez Les Bon Temps TRANSFORM,” or for you mono-lingual people, “Let the Good time TRANSFORM”. 

On February 18th at the Catholic Pastoral Center from 7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m., Catholic Charities and the Center for Social Ministry invite you to the first ever Mardi Gras "event to remember". This fundraiser will help support both organizations work of advocacy and education about social justice-related issues and service. The event features costumes,  jazz music, hors d’overs, cocktails, dancing and, believe it or not, even a parade. Seamlessly interwoven will be a unique prayer service -- all in preparation for the Lenten Season.  

All of the proceeds from this fundraiser will support the work of both the Center for Social Ministry and Catholic Charities. Suggested donations are $40 for an individual and $75 for a couple. For tickets call Susie Paloma at 515-782-3054 or reserve your tickets online at CatholicCharitiesDM.org.