Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday, February 25th is a day of fast and abstinence. All Fridays in lent are days of abstinence. Good Friday, April 10, 2009 will be a day of fast and abstinence.

Ash Wednesday officially begins Lent and the Easter cycle. Palms from last year's Palm Sunday are burned. The ashes from these palms are used during the Ash Wednesday services. The custom of placing ashes on the heads of people is an ancient penitential practice. (Jonas 3:5-9, Jeremiah 6:26, Mt 11:21)

During Lent the Catholic Church will take on a more somber theme. Our priests will be vested in purple to mark the liturgical season. The joyful acclamations of Alleluia and Glory to God will be dropped. Weddings are discouraged during this season.

Fasting and abstinence are two disciplines practiced during this time. Fasting has to do with the quantity of food eaten. Abstinence refers to the kind of food denied oneself . Denying oneself a basic human need such as food for a period of time is done for different reasons. It promotes self-discipline. It supports one's prayers. It cleanses oneself of previous abuses and sin. And it prepares us for the great feast of Easter. Another practice during lent includes alms giving.

During lent we "give up" something. Popular forms of fasting may be: giving up desserts, candies, gum, soft drinks, alcohol, watching television, and junk food. These popular forms of fasting and abstinence promote personal discipline and self-control.

Lenten Regulations

Persons who have reached the age of 14 are required to abstain from meat. All persons between the ages of 18 -59 are required to fast.

Fast = one full meal is allowed. Two other meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to each one's needs, but together should not equal one full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted; but liquids, including milk and fruit juices, are allowed.

Abstinence = no meat is allowed.