Left: Nancy extinguishes a Lenten candle, marking the progress of the 2022 Lenten season.

On the Sunday after Ash Wednesday there are 6 purple tapers and one white pillar candle, all of which are lit.  Each Sunday during Lent a purple taper is extinguished.  The darkness expands until, at the Holy Thursday service, even the Christ Candle in the center goes out.  It is a somber reminder of the events of the Lenten season.  

The beauty of the symbolism is truly felt, however, on Easter Sunday when the light of the Lord once again shines forth, represented by the relighting of the Christ Candle!