Lenten Regulations

MARDI GRAS (FAT TUESDAY) AND CARNIVAL (FAREWELL TO MEAT) PRECEDE ASH WEDNESDAY AND LENT.

LENTEN REGULATIONS (FROM FEBRUARY 18, 2015, ASH WEDNESDAY, TO THE PASCHAL TRIDUUM)

- U.S. Bishops statement on penitential observances, 1966

• Abstinence from meat is to be observed by all Catholics 14 years old and older on Ash Wednesday and on all Fridays of Lent.
• Fasting is to be observed on Ash Wednesday by all Catholics who are 18 years of age but not yet 59.  Those who are bound by this may take only one full meal.  Two smaller meals are permitted if necessary to maintain strength according to one's needs, but eating solid foods between meals is not permitted.
• The special Paschal fast, as well as an abstinence, are prescribed for Good Friday and encouraged for Holy Saturday.
• By the threefold discipline of fasting, almsgiving and prayer the church keeps Lent from Ash Wednesday until the evening of Holy Thursday.  All of the faithful and the catechumens should undertake the serious practice of these three traditions.  Failure to observe penitential days totally or a substantial number of such days must be considered serious.
• On weekdays of Lent, we strongly recommend participation in daily Mass and self-imposed observances of fasting.  In light of grave human needs which weigh on the Christian conscience in all seasons, we urge particularly  during Lent, generosity to local, national and world programs of sharing of all things needed to translate our duty to penance into means of implementing the right of the poor to their part of our abundance.

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Give Me Ears to Listen

Last night,
When I awoke I heard you call my name.
You refreshed my soul;
I felt your burning flame.
Oh, strengthen me to bear my cross and walk your way.
Give me grace to comfort those with all I say.
Give me ears to listen.
Give me eyes to see.
Give me words to speak
And show your face to me.


Published 4/4/11  ust1611 multiply
Web Page:  Lenten Song