LENT 2011

Lent is the time for the faithful to be "ever more attentive to the Word of God and prayer, to prepare themselves by penance for the renewal of their baptismal promises" at Easter (cf. Paschalis Solemnitatis, 6).The virtue and practice of penance is a necessary part of the preparation for Easter. Penitential practices such as fasting and abstinence are to be encouraged by the Church.

The Code of Canon Law allows the Pastor to dispense in individual cases from eating meat on Friday during the Lenten Season. Please contact your Pastor may you have any question regarding dispensation from eating meat or fasting due to medical reasons.

2011 LENTEN REGULATIONS

1. The days of both Fast and Abstinence during Lent are Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. For other Fridays of Lent are days of Abstinence.

   On a day of Fast, only (1) full meal is permitted. Those between ages of 18 and 59 are obliged to fast.

   On a day of Abstinence, no meat may be eaten. Those who have reached the age of 14 are obliged by the law of abstinence.
    

2. The obligation to observe the laws of Fast and Abstinence “substantially”, or as a whole, is a serious obligation.
    
3. The Fridays of the year, outside of Lent, are designated as days of penance, but each individual may substitute for the traditional abstinence from meat some other practice of voluntary self-denial as penance.
    
4. The time for fulfilling the Paschal Precept (Easter Duty*) extends from the First Sunday of Lent, March 13, 2011 to the Solemnity of the Holy Trinity, June 19, 2011.

The Code of Canon Law allows the pastor to dispense in individual cases from eating meat on Friday during Lenten Season. Please contact Fr. Peter regarding any questions concerning eating meat of Friday.

*Canon 920, §1. All the faithful, after they have been initiated into the Most Holy Eucharist, are bound by the obligation of receiving Communion at least once a year.