Article by Phoenix writer Grace Andino ’25:
To begin the Lenten Season, Kellenberg’s ARK hosted Family XLT on Ash Wednesday, March 25. Unlike the other XLTs offered throughout the school year, the annual Family XLT (exalt, praise, and worship) gives students and their families a spiritual opportunity that transcends the home or weekly mass. Over 800 of Kelleberg’s families had the chance to pray with their loved ones during this evening of community and adoration.
To begin the night, families gathered to receive Ashes, a symbol that marks the beginning of the season of Lent. Following their period of fellowship and food, families made their way to the auditorium for a time of spiritual rejuvenation. Tess Austin, the Diocese of Rockville Centre Department of Education’s Director of Catholic Identity & Mission, served as the speaker for the evening. Her talk was centered around the Jubilee Year of Hope and how Catholics can truly harness the meaning of Hope during Lent.
Tess shared her struggle to find faith on her own, and her period of spiritual transformation in high school. During her talk, she encouraged attendees to enter into their personal season of hope, letting the Ashes remind us as Catholics that we need to be converted. “Even in the midst of sufferings and joys, all of us are marked by hope.”
Directed towards each family, Tess reminded those in attendance that Lent is our Christian story of hope that does not disappoint. She encouraged families to embrace a spirit of patience and hope by embracing concrete family time. She ended with a message for all to abide in hope, “I am the answer. I am right here. I am what you are looking for.”
Senior Griffin Strauss shares, “I thought Tess’ speech was really nice, and I really connected with her honesty. It was truly nice seeing family bonding with their children in a faith-centered context.”
Overall, this faith-filled evening gave Kellenberg families the chance to begin Lent right, instilling a sense of hope that will last forever.
