Archnemesis Designation Given Up...for Lent

The problem with working with an archnemesis on a project like Lent Madness is that it makes it nearly impossible to feud in peace. While I derive great pleasure in one-upping Scott Gunn in all things priestly, professional, and personal (the "Three Ps" of archnemisary), I find myself having to be civil in matters related to the global domination of Lent Madness.

We have thus brought in a mediator named Solomon to help us work out an agreement. The statement below, which also appears on Scott's blog, takes effect during and is binding throughout Lent. Fortunately, life will return to normal during the Great Vigil of Easter.

Dateline: Somewhere between Hingham, MA and Cincinnati, OH.

"Be it known to all present, either bodily or online, that as of Ash Wednesday in the two thousand and twelfth year of our Lord, certain persons, of necessity in the present time, are hereby setting aside a designation of Archnemesis, and laying aside the enmity that has existed from the beginning, until the end of the Lenten Fast. Whereas, to cooperate on Lent Madness for the edification of all Christendom, Father Schenck and Father Gunn shall thereby set aside their feud until the New Fire is lit at the Great Vigil of Easter. After that, anything is possible."

Lent Madness 2012: Bigger, Better, More

Now that Lent Madness has gone global, bordering on viral (and it's not even Shrove Tuesday), I feel the need to explain why I'm partnering with my archnemesis this year. Scott Gunn has already offered his explanation, which is, naturally, filled with half-truths and slander. Fortunately, no one reads his blog.

What's really happening here as I (hold my nose and) work with Scott is that I'm using him. Don't tell anyone but unlike Scott, I'm not a former IBMer. So I'm using him for his technical expertise and geekery, both of which he has in spades. Oh, and the Forward Movement contact list.

Thus, you'll note that Lent Madness now has its own website www.lentmadness.org. and you can "like" it on its own Facebook fan page. For bloggers and web page administrators you can even download a free Lent Madness widget. (Put it on your site! Don't delay! Lent is coming!).



Unlike the last two years I won't be hosting Lent Madness here on my blog but rather over at the new site. And I've enlisted eight "celebrity" bloggers to do much of the writing. It's an amazing group of writers! Check out their bios here.

I'm excited about this new approach and thank (gulp) Scott for joining me in the madness this year. Now in its third year, Lent Madness has a solid history, a growing fan base, and will continue to be an informative, fun Lenten devotion.

Oh, yeah, I almost forgot the new slogan that Scott wouldn't go for (party pooper): We put the 'Damn' in 'Madness!'