Lenten Journey – Father’s Corner

Lenten Journey – Father’s Corner – Lenten Rules and Regulations

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18th this year. For the whole Church the Lenten rules are that ALL FRIDAYS of LENT are days of abstinence from meat and meat products. This is for everyone who is 14 years of age and older. Fish and Seafood is permitted. ASH WEDNESDAY, February 18th, and GOOD FRIDAY, April 3rd are days of fast and abstinence. FASTING means: one full meal and two lesser meals. The law of fasting is for everyone between ages of 18 and 59. If for medical reasons you cannot abstain from meat on Fridays or cannot fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, then you are to do some other form of Penance. If you are outside the required age then you are strongly encouraged to still do this penitential practice or some other form of penance. In addition to the above – some other form of private penance is strongly suggested, for example, giving up something you like. However, the rule is that you cannot sacrifice something that is required like doing your homework, or taking any medicine that you are required. Also, you cannot harm yourself or others by your sacrifice. For example: if you give up smoking, chewing tabaco or drinking for Lent then make the life of your family terrible because of your sacrifice. It is your sacrifice not theirs!

It is also recommended that you do additional good deeds each day, like saying additional prayers, acts that help your neighbors in their Spiritual or physical needs, giving alms to the poor and needy. One way you can do this is to put it in the Church Collection Basket in an envelope marked “For the Needy” and we will use it to help people who come to us for aid.

Additionally, I would like to suggest an additional Penance for the entire parish by asking each family to bring one (1) can of food or more for the Food Bank to the Weekend Mass that you attend during Lent.

Father Paul Wander