Happy Monday, everyone! As you probably already realize, Ash Wednesday is this week! Here's the schedule of the day:
Feb
14
Mass at 12:15, with distribution of Ashes
Mass will last from 12:15 to approximately 1:00. If you need to come in a few minutes late, or leave a few minutes early, I understand!! If you are not in a rush, our FOCUS missionaries will have a simple lunch of Mac and cheese prepared for after Mass!
Are you going?
Yes
No
Maybe
going.
not going.
might be going.
Feb
14
Exposition, 5-6pm
A wonderful way to begin our Lenten prayer! Spend some quiet time with Christ in the Eucharist, planning what you'll do for Lent!
Are you going?
Yes
No
Maybe
going.
not going.
might be going.
Feb
14
Mass at 6:30, with distribution of Ashes
Mass at our normal weekday time, lasting til about 7:30 or so. Following Mass is our Bosco night, with our FOCUS missionaries again providing some Mac and Cheese, along with some spiritual reflections to begin Lent. This takes the place of our Bosco Night this week.
Are you going?
Yes
No
Maybe
going.
not going.
might be going.
Wondering about what the regulations are regarding fast and abstinence during Lent? Here's a brief summary:
Everyone over the age of 14 is highly encouraged to abstain from meat on each Friday of Lent.
Everyone over the age of 18 is highly encouraged to FAST on Ash Wednesday and on Good Friday. Fasting, in the tradition of the Catholic Church, means that you can have one simple, full meal, and at the other two meal times, you can have a small snack to maintain strength for the day. Of course, no meat would be eaten on these days. However, if a medical condition requires you to eat at certain times of day, then you should do what your health demands.
It is not a sin to eat meat on Fridays or to not fast. However, each of us should do something to observe the beginning of Lent and do some form of penance as the basic requirements of the season.