PRAYER
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I begin my ministry as the Archbishop of New York and greet you through this Monthly Bulletin for the first time with a heart filled with gratitude. I thank God for His divine love and for the gift of serving you. Le doy gracias a Dios por Su amor divino y por el privilegio de servirles.
Allow me to share a few things about myself. I love Jesus. I love the Church. And I love people. Jesus tells us, “I call you friends,” and through that friendship with Him, I strive to love my neighbor as myself. It is that friendship with Christ that has led me from the parishes of Chicago to the orphanages of Latin America, to the Diocese of Joliet, and now to you here in New York.
During this holy season of Lent, the Church calls us to renewal through deeper prayer, sincere repentance, and generous charity. This bulletin reflects the vibrant life of the Church and the work unfolding across our archdiocese. Together, these pages remind us that we are a missionary Church, sent forth to proclaim Jesus Christ, serve those in need, build unity, and form disciples who do the same.
I am here to walk with you, to serve you, and to proclaim Jesus Christ alongside you. Estoy aquí para caminar contigo, para servirte y para proclamar a Jesucristo junto a ti. During this Lenten season, may we allow the Lord to renew our hearts so that, strengthened by the Eucharist and guided by the Holy Spirit, we may move forward with courage and joy, confident in His promise.
With good wishes, I ask God to bless you always.
As I am sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Ronald A. Hicks Archbishop of New York
LENT seas of grace
A Guide to Lent and Easter:
What Ev y Cath ic Needs to Kn
Lent is a sacred season of preparation, reflection, and renewal leading up to Easter. It is a time for deepening our faith through prayer, fasting, and acts of charity. Here’s what you need to know to observe Lent in 2026 with the Archdiocese of New York.
Key Dates for Lent 2026
Holy Thursday: April 2 ................
Good Friday: April 3 ................
Easter Sunday: April 5 ................
Lent officially ends in the evening
A solemn day of fasting and prayer
The celebration of Christ’s resurrection
Lent invites the faithful into a season of renewal through three foundational spiritual practices that draw us closer to God and one another.
• Almsgiving calls us to charity and generosity, especially toward those in need. It is more than a financial offering it is a deliberate action that reflects Christ’s compassion. By giving of our resources, time, or talents, we turn outward, recognizing the dignity of others and participating in the Church’s mission of mercy.
• Prayer deepens our relationship with God and anchors the Lenten journey in reflection and conversion. The faithful are encouraged to intensify their prayer life through Scripture, the Mass, Eucharistic adoration, or quiet personal prayer.
• Fasting is a practice that detaches us from worldly comforts. By willingly giving up certain foods or habits, we cultivate discipline and spiritual clarity. Fasting also unites us with the suffering of Christ and fosters solidarity with those who live with less.
This Lent, take time to slow down, reflect, and draw closer to God.
Visit the link below for guidance, inspiration, and tools to help you make the most of this holy season: archny.org/lent
Fasting and Abstinence: What it Means
During Lent, Catholics are called to practice self-discipline through fasting and abstinence as a way to grow closer to God.
• Fasting (Ash Wednesday and Good Friday): Adults (ages 18-59) are required to eat only one full meal. Two smaller meals are permitted, but they should not equal another full meal. Snacking is not allowed.
• Abstinence from Meat (Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent): Catholics aged 14 and older must refrain from eating meat or poultry.
• Who is exempt? Those with health conditions, young children, and elderly individuals who cannot safely fast are not required to do so but are encouraged to practice other forms of sacrifice.
Find a P ish Ne Y
Looking for a place to receive ashes or attend Lenten services? Use the Archdiocese of New York’s Parish Finder to locate a church near you: visit Find a Parish
Lenten Traditions and Devotions
Prayer and Reflection:
Participate in Stations of the Cross, Eucharistic Adoration, and personal prayer.
Sacrament of Reconciliation:
Confessions will be widely available, especially on Reconciliation Monday (March 30) from 2:00–4:00 PM and 6:00–9:00 PM.
Almsgiving and Charity:
Consider acts of kindness, donations, or volunteering to help those in need.
Simplified Living:
Many Catholics give up luxuries like sweets, social media, or unnecessary spending to focus on spiritual growth.
Holy Week and the Triduum
• Palm Sunday (March 29): Marks Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
• Holy Thursday (April 2): Commemorates the Last Supper and Lent ends.
• Good Friday (April 3): The solemn remembrance of Christ’s Passion and death.
• Holy Saturday and Easter Vigil (April 4–5): Begins after sunset (7:24 PM in New York). This is the Church’s most sacred night, celebrating Christ’s victory over death.
Additional Notes
• Easter duty: Catholics should receive Holy Communion at least once between the First Sunday of Lent (February 22) and Trinity Sunday (May 31).
Lent is a season of grace. By embracing prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we prepare our hearts to celebrate the joy of Easter. May this Lenten journey draw us closer to Christ and to one another.
Reference: USCCB and ADNY Vicar General’s Office
EVENTS
Share With Your Community
Click items below for more information on each event.
NAPA Night with Siobhan Hogan
Office of Youth Ministry | Young Adult Ministry | University Apostolate
FRIDAY, MARCH 20
Young Adult Healing Service with Made4Mor
Office of Youth Ministry | Young Adult Ministry | University Apostolate
SATURDAY, MARCH 21
Young Adult Day of Recollection and Mass in Tuckahoe, NY
Office of Youth Ministry | Young Adult Ministry | University Apostolate
SUNDAY, MARCH 22
The Way of Wonder
Office of Youth Ministry | Young Adult Ministry | University Apostolate
TUESDAY, MARCH 24
Word and Witness Young Adult Women’s Group
Office of Youth Ministry | Young Adult Ministry | University Apostolate
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25
Fides Entrepreneurship Dinner with Tim Busch
Office of Youth Ministry | Young Adult Ministry | University Apostolate
THURSDAY, MARCH 26
EVENTS (cont.)
Share With Your Community
Click items below for more information on each event.
Young Adult Night in Orange County with Militia Immaculatae
Office of Youth Ministry | Young Adult Ministry | University Apostolate
THURSDAY, MARCH 26
Young Adult Night and Dinner in Orange County
Office of Youth Ministry | Young Adult Ministry | University Apostolate
FRIDAY, MARCH 27
Come and See Weekend Retreat with the Carmelite Friars
Office of Youth Ministry | Young Adult Ministry | University Apostolate
FRIDAY, MARCH 27 – SUNDAY, MARCH 29
Lenten Teen Youth Retreat in Tuckahoe, NY
Office of Youth Ministry | Young Adult Ministry | University Apostolate
SATURDAY, MARCH 28
Young Adult Lenten Retreat by YCP
Office of Youth Ministry | Young Adult Ministry | University Apostolate
SATURDAY, MARCH 28
44th Annual Good Friday Way of the Cross
Pax Christi Metro New York
FRIDAY, APRIL 3
EVENTS (cont.)
Share With Your Community
Click items below for more information on each event.
Young Adult Mass and Night of Praise and Worship
Office of Youth Ministry | Young Adult Ministry | University Apostolate
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8
Fides Entrepreneurship Dinner with Raj Bhakta
Office of Youth Ministry | Young Adult Ministry | University Apostolate
THURSDAY, APRIL 9
Ever Ancient, Ever New: An Easter Symphony Performance
Office of Youth Ministry | Young Adult Ministry | University Apostolate
FRIDAY, APRIL 10
Discernment Retreat with the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm
Office of Youth Ministry | Young Adult Ministry | University Apostolate
FRIDAY, APRIL 10 – SUNDAY, APRIL 12
United for Life Walk in NYC
Office of Youth Ministry | Young Adult Ministry | University Apostolate
SATURDAY, APRIL 11
Bronx Catholic Youth Day
Office of Youth Ministry | Young Adult Ministry | University Apostolate
SATURDAY, APRIL 18
EVENTS (cont.)
Share With Your Community
Click items below for more information on each event.
Born for Eternity Youth Retreat – Bronx
Office of Youth Ministry | Young Adult Ministry | University Apostolate
SATURDAY, APRIL 18
Spring Concert and Garden Party
St. Joseph’s Seminary
SUNDAY, APRIL 19
Confirmation for Youth with Disabilities
Youth Faith Formation
SUNDAY, MAY 31
The Good Newsroom
The Good Newsroom TM is the digital newsroom of the Archdiocese of New York. Follow our content at theGoodNewsroom.org, on our app, through our social media channels, or through our newly launched e-newsletter. Visit our Connect page to stay connected with us.
INITIATIVES
Building Momentum Together
Pax Christi Metro New York
44th Annual Good Friday Way of the Cross
Commemorating Jesus’ suffering in His own life and in the lives of people throughout the world today, hundreds process together, praying for change in ourselves and a society marred by such sins as poverty, racism, bullying and gun violence, human trafficking and war. Concluding with a 15th station, we are reminded that we are a Resurrection people in a Good Friday world.
Our theme this year is, “Given these times, what would Jesus do/say...” During our walk we will explore through scripture, reflections, prayers and song various concerns that our world is experiencing today. The walk will begin at Holy Family Church on E. 47th St. between First and Second Ave. at 8:30 AM. We will process down Second Ave. to 42nd St., where we will walk west toward Port Authority. Along the way we will stop to remember how Jesus suffered on Good Friday and conclude with a 15th station: the resurrection, for after all we are a church that lives in hope. Please note that we usually conclude by noon in case you want to attend services at your own parish church.
We encourage the community of faithful Catholics to come together to witness Christ’s presence in our lives. All are welcome.
Respect Life
40 Days for Life
This life-saving prayer campaign is taking place at multiple locations throughout the Archdiocese from February 18 through March 29. It consists of forty days of prayer, fasting, and peaceful vigil at abortion facilities. For more information and to sign-up to participate, visit archny.org/40-days-for-life.
St. Joseph’s Seminary
Graduate Theology Course Offerings – Summer Registration 2026 is Now Open Summer course offerings have been announced at St. Joseph’s Seminary. Come study at SJS this summer!
View flyer More info
Youth Ministry | Young Adult Ministry | University Apostolate
Parish Youth and Young Adult Nights
Our pastoral office is hosting parish youth and young adult nights for parishes interested in starting a new youth ministry (for middle and high schoolers) and/or young adult ministry (18-35 year olds). For more info, please contact Pjetër Nilaj, Coordinator of the Office of Youth Ministry, Young Adult Ministry and University Apostolate at archny.org/young-catholics.
Youth and Young Adult Ministry Leadership Formation
Our pastoral office is hosting youth ministry and young adult ministry leadership formation for young adults interested interested in growing in their Catholic faith and leadership. For more info, please contact Pjetër Nilaj, Coordinator of the Office of Youth Ministry, Young Adult Ministry and University Apostolate at archny.org/young-catholics.
AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE
Time to Step Outside and Enjoy God’s Creation Together
Young Women’s Called to Community
All Catholic women aged 18 to 35 are welcome! Hosted by the Focolare Movement. For more information and to RSVP, click here.
Holy Name of Jesus – St. Gregory the Great Church | 207 W. 96th St., New York, NY
EVERY SECOND AND FOURTH THURSDAY OF THE MONTH | 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Young Adult Ministry Launch
Connect. Reflect. Belong. For all men and women aged 18-35.
Immaculate Conception and Assumption of Our Lady | 53 Winter Hill Rd., Tuckahoe, NY
KICKOFF: SUNDAY, MARCH 22 | 4:00 PM
MONTHLY MEETINGS EVERY FOURTH TUESDAY OF THE MONTH
Solemnity of the Annunciation
Sung Latin Mass in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite from William Byrd’s Mass for Four Voices.
Transfiguration Church | 29 Mott St., New York, NY
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25 | 7:00 PM
Easter Basket Dropoff
Help us reach our goal of donating 400 Easter baskets this year! Baskets will benefit children and teens in foster care at Abbot House Charity.
Church of St. Paul the Apostle | 405 W. 59 th St., New York, NY
SUNDAY, MARCH 29
Children’s Station of the Cross
This special event is designed to help children walk through the story of Jesus’s walk to Calvary.
St. Frances Cabrini Shrine | 701 Fort Washington Ave., New York, NY
GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 3 | 5:00 PM
ENGAGE YOUR CHILDREN IN THE BEAUTY OF LENT!
This Lenten season, we invite families across the Archdiocese of New York to journey together in faith with our Lenten Activity Book for Children—a fun and meaningful way to help kids grow closer to God.
This free, downloadable resource includes:
• Coloring pages that bring Lenten themes to life
• A family guide for the Examination of Conscience to help children understand forgiveness and God’s mercy
Lent is a special time to pray, reflect, and prepare our hearts for Easter. This activity book is a great way to get children involved in faith-filled traditions at home, making Lent a season of learning, love, and spiritual growth for the whole family.
Download your free copy today!
Download your personal reflection card this Lent for iPhone or Android
