LENTEN REGULATIONS

PREPARATION FOR EASTER. Lent is a season of prayer and penance set apart by the Church to prepare us for Easter and to recall Our Lord's fast in the desert (cf. Matt 4:1-11, Luke 4:1-13). This season of preparation and sanctification can be fittingly accomplished through voluntary amendment of life, acts of penance, and works of charity. Use this helpful guide to consider what you should do for Lent.

FAST AND ABSTINENCE (self-denial). To foster the spirit of penance and of reparation for sin, to encourage self-denial, and to guide us in the footsteps of Jesus, Church law requires the observance of fast and abstinence (CIC, 1249-1253). Abstinence: All persons who have already celebrated their 14th birthday, are bound to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent. Fasting: Everyone, from the celebration of their 18th birthday to their 59th birthday, is bound to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

Voluntary fasting on other weekdays of Lent, especially on Wednesdays and Fridays, is highly recommended. Fasting is generally understood to mean eating one full meal each day. Two other partial meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken; but together they should not equal another full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted, but liquids are allowed. Other forms of "fasting," especially regarding alcoholic drink, needless television, video games, internet use, and social entertainment, is of true spiritual value and is strongly encouraged. When health or ability to work would be seriously affected, neither the law of fasting nor the law of abstinence obliges. If in doubt, one's parish priest or confessor may be consulted. Airport workers, travelers, and others while on board ships or airplanes are dispensed from the laws of fast and abstinence for the duration of their journey (except on Good Friday). It is desirable that they perform some other pious act instead.

The Proclamation of the Date of Easter on Epiphany dates from a time when calendars were not readily available. It was necessary to make known the date of Easter in advance, since many celebrations of the liturgical year depend on its date. The number of Sundays that follow Epiphany, the date of Ash Wednesday, and the number of Sundays that follow Pentecost are all computed in relation to Easter. Although calendars now give the date of Easter and the other feasts in the liturgical year for many years in advance, the Epiphany proclamation still has value. It is a reminder of the centrality of the resurrection of the Lord in the liturgical year and importance of the great mysteries of faith which are celebrated each year.

Dear brothers and sisters, the glory of the Lord has shone upon us, and shall ever be manifest among us, until the day of his return. Through the rhythms of times and seasons let us celebrate the mysteries of salvation.
Let us recall the year's culmination, the Easter Triduum of the Lord: his last supper, his crucifixion, his burial, and his rising, celebrated between the evening of the 20th of March and evening of the 23rd of March.

Each Easter - as on each Sunday - the Holy Church makes present the great and saving deed by which Christ has for ever conquered sin and death. From Easter are reckoned all the days we keep holy. Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, will occur on the 6th of February. The Ascension of the Lord will be commemorated on
the 4th of May. Pentecost, the joyful conclusion of the season of Easter, will be celebrated on the 11th of May. And this year the First Sunday of Advent will be on the 30th of November. Likewise the pilgrim Church proclaims the passover of Christ in the feasts of the holy Mother of God, in the feasts of the Apostles and Saints, and in the commemoration of the faithful departed. To Jesus Christ, who was ,who is, and who is to come, Lord of time and history, be endless praise, for ever and ever. Amen.

GOOD FRIDAY LENTEN REGULATIONS
Good Friday is a day of abstinence from meat and also a day of fast; that is, only one full meal is allowed. No solid food between meals. Two other meatless meals or snacks, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to one's needs but together they should not equal another full meal.

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