Lent 2014
Lent is only a little over a week from today (Ash Wednesday, March 5). And so it is not too early to start thinking about what we should do during this special season of grace. Every Lent the Church proposes to us three areas on which to build our personal Lenten program: prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Start thinking about how you can deepen your love for God through prayer and your love for neighbor by the works of mercy.
Lenten Guidelines
Fasting is to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday by everyone 18 years and older, who has yet celebrated their 59th birthday. On a fast day, one full meal is allowed. Two other meals, enough to maintain strength, may be taken, according to each one’s needs, but together they should not equal another full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted, but consuming liquids, including milk and juices, is allowed.
Abstinence is observed by everyone 14 years of age or older. On days of abstinence, no meat is allowed. Note that when health or the ability to work is affected, the law does not oblige. Ash Wednesday, all the Fridays during Lent, and Good Friday are days of abstinence. If a person is unable to observe the above regulations due to ill health or other serious reasons, other suitable forms of self-denial are encouraged.
