Ash Wednesday: Repent & Believe!

While it's not a Holy of Obligation (though many think it is!) Ash Wednesday is a day when Catholics all over the world often feel the need to attend Mass.

There's something in us that calls us to participate in this kickoff to Lent. It's like the opening ceremony of the Olympics. With these funny ashes on our foreheads, now we can begin the Christian game anew, taking on the specific challenges of renewed prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

Ashes are an external sign of penance. They are a reminder that we all will experience death and we don't have forever to repent, to "get right" with God. Jesus has victory over death in the end. With him by our side, what have we to fear?

Ash Wednesday Mass Schedule:

6:45am | 12:10pm | 6:30pm

Lent at St. Catherine of Siena

Stations of the Cross
- Friday at 3:30pm
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
- Monday: 6:00pm-7:00pm
- Thursday: 7:15am-6:30pm (with benediction)
Sacrament of Confession
- Monday: 6:00pm-6:50pm
- Thursday: 5:30pm-6:30pm
- Saturday: 3:00pm-4:00pm

Live this Lent like a pro!

Going to Confession:

Everyone needs a little help making a good examination of conscience before getting into the confessional: Check out this guide! --> Examination of Conscience

Fasting and Abstinence: What's that again?

The Church requires us to fast on two days of the year: Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal.

[Note: Those under 18 and older than 59 are not required to fast]

The Church also requires those 14yrs and older to abstain from meat on every Friday of Lent. But did you know that the Church requires us to do some kind of penance every Friday of the year? Traditionally, that meant no meat. Today, the US Bishops have given us the option to substitute some other penitential act instead: E.G. skipping a meal; no sweets; getting up earlier to pray; et cetera. What penitential act will you do on Fridays when Lent ends?

What about Saint Patrick's Day?

This year St. Patrick's Day falls on a Friday. Does that mean no corn beef and cabbage? Not in Boston! St. Patrick is the Patron Saint of the Archdiocese of Boston and Cardinal Sean has given us a dispensation (a pass) to eat meat on March 17th. So enjoy some corn beef and cabbage as you celebrate St. Patrick!

As our Lenten season begins, how will this year be different?
What concrete steps will you take to allow Jesus to live in you more fully?
Who will you trust to walk alongside you as companions and friends?