Why Fasting?
Fasting denotes abstinence from food.
Before diets made it cool, religious men and women of many creeds have fasted regularly as part of their spiritual exercises for generations and generations. But why?
Why Fast at All?
Jesus himself fasted for 40 days at the start of his ministry and challenged his disciples to pray and fast regularly (Mark 9:29). Early Christians and the Church Fathers (Augustine, Anthony, Polycarp, etc.) fasted rigorously and expected their peers to do the same.
There are obvious health benefits to fasting and cleansing our systems at regular intervals, as well!
How Should I Fast?
Fasting ought to make us uncomfortable. The goal isn't to have an attitude of "What can I get away with today?" or to eat a lobster seafood platter. How is the Lord calling you to take up the challenge of fasting this Lent?
In the Latin (Roman) Catholic Church, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal; this sacrifice is asked of Catholics from ages 18 to 59. And no meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, or on Fridays during Lent!
What's the Spiritual Fruit of This?
Fasting without prayer is just dieting; when we fast and feel those hunger pains, we should transfer that ache to God, the only one who can satisfy our hungry hearts. Writes Fr. Blake Britton:
- "It aids the soul in acquiring maturity. As any psychologist will recognize, lack of discipline and self-control are clear signs of immaturity. The failure to be patient, make wise decisions, and responsibly enjoy food, drink, or relationships represents a severe lapse in human development. This is why practicing self-restraint on a regular basis through fasting is so crucial to the spiritual life. It is not just about giving something up because the Church says so. The more we practice abstinence, the more mature we become, passing from the immaturity of immediate gratification to the maturity of regulated consumption."
St. Francis is one of the most beloved figures of the Church and a model of hunger and poverty par excellence. Watch this clip from the series Pivotal Players with Bishop Barron here:
We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you. Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world!
**The International Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima comes to St. Mary's Church on March 25.
St. Mary's will Celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation with a Rosary at 12:30pm and a Mass at 1pm. The celebration will include an opportunity for those present to Consecrate themselves to Jesus thru Mary according to St. Louis de Montfort. St. Mary's will also be honored to welcome a Visitation of the International Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima. This Statue was originally sculptured in Portugal and given as a gift to the United States from the Bishop of Portugal.
St. Mary's will Celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation with a Rosary at 12:30pm and a Mass at 1pm. The celebration will include an opportunity for those present to Consecrate themselves to Jesus thru Mary according to St. Louis de Montfort. St. Mary's will also be honored to welcome a Visitation of the International Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima. This Statue was originally sculptured in Portugal and given as a gift to the United States from the Bishop of Portugal.
Our Lenten Schedule
Confessions - The Light is on for You
Every Wednesday during Lent 6:30pm-8pm
Stations of the Cross
Stations of the Cross
Every Friday during Lent 7pm. Please join us.
Sunday, April 2; after the 9am Mass
Our Annual Easter Egg Hunt and Pancake Breakfast with the Easter Bunny
REBOOT! LIVE! EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT!
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
Real Life Catholic and St. Mary’s Church, Foxboro, MA are pleased to announce:
REBOOT! Live! Featuring Chris Stefanick
MAY 10, 2023 - 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM - ST. MARY’S CHURCH, FOXBORO
St. Mary’s Foxboro, has secured a world-class event Featuring internationally acclaimed speaker and author Chris Stefanick, the evening will center around a practical exploration and understanding of the Catholic faith, and all the ways it’s meant to impact our lives, including prayer and spirituality, work, and dating, marriage, parenting, health and more.
Over the past decade, Chris has established himself worldwide with millions of people. Chris’s live seminars reach more than 85,000 people per year. His videos and radio spots have reached more than 1,000,000 people per month. And his educational initiatives are turning-the-tide in the Church, authoring what is being welcomed as the best Confirmation program in the English language: Chosen. And the popular evangelization program, The Search.
God didn’t create us to just get by: He created us to live life to the full. Are you ready to take your life to a new level – practically, and spiritually? If you want that “something more” for your life – and who doesn’t? – then do not miss Reboot! Live. This is your chance to rediscover God and rediscover the life you were made for. REBOOT! is for all ages, 12 and up, from teens to grandparents. So, bring the whole family. And please consider inviting a friend, especially someone who doesn’t usually come to events at Church. You’ll be amazed the impact this event will have on them! Don’t wait! Tickets are selling fast!
Tickets are available via the website:
https://reallifecatholic.com/events/st-marys-foxboro-ma/
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
Real Life Catholic and St. Mary’s Church, Foxboro, MA are pleased to announce:
REBOOT! Live! Featuring Chris Stefanick
MAY 10, 2023 - 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM - ST. MARY’S CHURCH, FOXBORO
St. Mary’s Foxboro, has secured a world-class event Featuring internationally acclaimed speaker and author Chris Stefanick, the evening will center around a practical exploration and understanding of the Catholic faith, and all the ways it’s meant to impact our lives, including prayer and spirituality, work, and dating, marriage, parenting, health and more.
Over the past decade, Chris has established himself worldwide with millions of people. Chris’s live seminars reach more than 85,000 people per year. His videos and radio spots have reached more than 1,000,000 people per month. And his educational initiatives are turning-the-tide in the Church, authoring what is being welcomed as the best Confirmation program in the English language: Chosen. And the popular evangelization program, The Search.
God didn’t create us to just get by: He created us to live life to the full. Are you ready to take your life to a new level – practically, and spiritually? If you want that “something more” for your life – and who doesn’t? – then do not miss Reboot! Live. This is your chance to rediscover God and rediscover the life you were made for. REBOOT! is for all ages, 12 and up, from teens to grandparents. So, bring the whole family. And please consider inviting a friend, especially someone who doesn’t usually come to events at Church. You’ll be amazed the impact this event will have on them! Don’t wait! Tickets are selling fast!
Tickets are available via the website:
https://reallifecatholic.com/events/st-marys-foxboro-ma/