March 3, 2001
Source: St. Petersburg Times
http://www.sptimes.com/News/030301/NorthPinellas/A_season_of_spiritual.shtml
On March 3, 2001, the St. Petersburg Times reported that "many denominations are observing Lent... Traditionally, Lent is an opportunity for people to publicly repent and acknowledge their sinfulness...Historically, the celebration of Lent has been associated with the Catholic tradition, but Protestant denominations including Lutherans, Methodists and Episcopalians also participate in the season." Many churches now want to shift "parishioners' focus from giving up things to doing more for the community."