Gentlemen of Seattle, the Lenten Beard Challenge has begun!

Put down that razor! St. Clement of Alexandria may have said it best: It is not lawful to pluck out the beard, man's natural and noble adornment.

During Lent this year, we would like to invite the men of Seattle IPA to give up shaving along with your personal Lenten sacrifices.

In common iconography and other art, Christ often is presented with a beard during his ministry on earth and after his ascension, he is clean shaven. And historically, beards were only trimmed as penance or during times of mourning.

So, the idea: give up shaving until Good Friday then submit a photo for a friendly competition/fundraiser. We will hold an event after Easter where guests can make donations to vote for their favorite beard. All proceeds will go toward Catholic Relief Services work in Haiti.

Feel free to post photos of your progress on IPA's Facebook page, and good luck!