Lent Season
Wednesday, March 1st, 2006Lent
The season of Lent is a time to reflect more deeply on our Christian journey, to slow down and to look at our priorities and turn toward God. There are two Lenten themes which help us prepare for the great feast of Easter: Recalling/preparing for our Baptism and Penance.
Lent Regulations
Abstinence: All who are 14 yrs. or older are bound by the law of the Church to abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays during Lent. If health or ability to work are affected, abstinence is not obligatory.
Fasting: All between the ages of 18 and 59 yrs. of age are obliged to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Fasting means that one full meatless meal per day may be eaten; two other meatless meals may be taken sufficient to maintain strength, but together should not equal a full meal. Liquids, including milk and fruit juice, may be taken between meals. If health or ability to work are affected, fasting is not obligatory. Parents of children not bound by the laws of fasting and abstinence are to educate their children in an authentic sense of penance, conversion and reconciliation.
Lenten Observence: All are encouraged to increase their participation in the Eucharistic liturgy, the Sacrament of Reconciliation and public devotions as well as increasing their private devotional practices.
Easter Duty: All the faithful who have already been initiated into the Eucharist are bound to receive Communion once a year during the Easter Season (from the First Sunday of Lent until Trinity Sunday). Each of the faithful is also obligaed to confess all serious sins at least once a year.
(taken from St.Cyprian Church note)
