Lent
- a season of prayer, penance and works of charity
by Ann Przybilla
Lent begins March 1 this
year. The season of prayer, penance and
almsgiving (works of charity) is an opportunity for the faithful to seek
conversion in preparation for the Easter sacraments and personal spiritual
growth.
Ash Wednesday and Good Friday
are days of fast and abstinence.
Catholics between the ages of 18-59 are obliged to abstain from meat and
fast on these days by not eating between meals, consuming only one full meal a
day and two small meals "sufficient to maintain strength". The two small meals should not equal the
amount of food consumed in the full meal.
Catholics 14 years old and
older are obliged to abstain from meat on the Fridays during Lent. Present law
does not include milk or egg products under the category of meat.
The observance of the laws of
fast and abstinence during Lent is a serious obligation. The individual
conscience can decide if there is proper cause to excuse, however a more
serious reason should be present to excuse from observing the laws of fast and
abstinence on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday
Those whose work or whose health would be impaired are excused from
fasting and abstaining.
Other forms of penance, such
as acts of self-denial and works of charity and piety are appropriate as
penitential acts. Fasting on other
weekdays of Lent is recommended as well.
The Blessing and distribution
of ashes take place during a Mass on Ash Wednesday. If the Eucharist is not
celebrated, the ashes may be blessed and distributed within the celebration of
the Liturgy of the Word. The minister of
blessing is a bishop, priest or deacon. If pastoral need requires it, others
such as extraordinary ministers or deacons may distribute the blessed
ashes. Blessed ashes may be brought to
the sick and those confined to their homes.
"Since every sin is an
offense against God that disrupts our friendship with him", the Sacrament
of Reconciliation is encouraged during the season of Lent. This gift is offered
to the faithful so that they may "obtain from God's mercy pardon for
having offended him and at the same time reconciliation with the Church, which
they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, example, and prayer seeks
their conversion." (Rites, Vol I page 528). Pastors
should provide adequate time for the faithful to receive the sacrament of
penance prior to Easter.
Funeral Masses are not
allowed during the Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good
Friday and Holy Saturday). However, the
Funeral Rite Outside of Mass can be held in church during these days with a
celebration of a Funeral Mass later.
Ann Przybilla is the Director of Worship and Interim
Director of the Office of Religious Education for the
Diocese of New