Lent is a yearly celebration by the Church of its corporate conversion in Jesus Christ. Lent has two major purposes: It recalls or prepares for baptism and emphasizes a spirit of penance. Through forty days of closer attention to God's Word and of more fervent prayer, believers are prepared to celebrate the Paschal Mystery. Lenten instructions stress these baptismal and penitential themes. The Church encourages penitential practices that are external and social, reflecting the circumstances of individuals and communities as we pray and do penance for sinners. During Lent, we are encouraged to increase our prayer, fasting and almsgiving. People often pray leading up to Lent and discern what they want to give up and take on for the season.
Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent, is on Wednesday, February 14, 2024. We will have two masses: 9 am and 7 pm.
Ash Wednesday is a universal day of fasting* and abstinence from meat**.
All Fridays during the season of Lent are specific days on which Catholics are also called to abstain from meat, fast, and pray more. Catholics should avoid meat on Fridays as well throughout the year.
* "Christian fasting obtains its full meaning when we deprive ourselves of food in order to be more open to prayer, to share more in the suffering of those who are starving and to save money to give to the poor. Fasting is a penitential discipline intended to open our hearts to God and to others, a means of purification and spiritual liberation, a witness to the depth of our faith".
** "The law of 'abstinence from meat' applies to those 14 and older; the law of 'fasting' applies to those 18 to 59. Parents and educators are reminded of their duty to gradually introduce children to the understanding and practice of penance. The actions modelled by adults will be the greatest influence in this matter."
Other News for Lent
Stations of the Cross will be after every 9 am Friday morning Mass during Lent.
On Good Friday, there will be Stations of the Cross at 7 pm.
There will be no 9 am Mass on Holy Thursday, only the 7 pm Mass followed by a time of prayer in the church.