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Lenten & Easter Mass Schedule
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The 2019 Lenten season begins on Ash Wednesday, March 6th, for Latin-rite Catholics. In a particular way during Lent, we are asked to devote ourselves to the spiritual and corporal works of mercy that remind us that faith finds expression in concrete everyday actions meant to help our neighbors in body and spirit.
In Lent, the baptized are called to renew their baptismal commitment as others prepare to be baptized through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, a period of learning and discernment for individuals who have declared their desire to become Catholics. -
MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS FOR LENT 2019
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Each year, through Mother Church, God “gives us this joyful season when we prepare to celebrate the paschal mystery with mind and heart renewed… as we recall the great events that gave us new life in Christ” (Preface of Lent I). We can thus journey from Easter to Easter towards the fulfilment of the salvation we have already received as a result of Christ’s paschal mystery – “for in hope we were saved” (Rom 8:24). This mystery of salvation, already at work in us during our earthly lives, is a dynamic process that also embraces history and all of creation. As Saint Paul says, “the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God” (Rom 8:19). In this perspective, I would like to offer a few reflections to accompany our journey of conversion this coming Lent.
Click here to view the rest of Pope Francis' Lenten Message... -
REGULATIONS ON FASTING AND ABSTINENCE DURING LENT
The dual disciplines of fasting and abstinence have a long history in the Catholic Church. Going back to the early Church, the purpose behind the custom of self-denial is not punishment; it is to simplify our lifestyles so that we create a certain emptiness. In this way, freed from all distractions, we are able to hear and respond to God’s continued call to conversion and holiness.
FASTING is to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday by all Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59 years. On days of fasting, one full meal is allowed. Two smaller meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to one’s needs, but together they should not equal another full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted, but liquids are allowed.
ABSTINENCE from meat is to be observed by all Catholics who are 14 years of age and older on Ash Wednesday and all of the Fridays of Lent.
Note: If a person is unable to observe the above regulations due to ill health or other serious reasons, they are urged to practice other forms of self-denial that are suitable to their condition.
Fasting, almsgiving and prayer are the three traditional disciplines of Lent since the early days of the Church. The faithful and catechumens should undertake these practices seriously in a spirit of penance and of preparation for baptism or of renewal of baptism at Easter. -
