Next to Advent and Christmas, LENT is one of the most celebrated and revered seasons in the year of the Catholic Church. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, which is always held 46 days (40 fasting days and 6 Sundays) before Easter. We also know that it is a time in which people routinely “give up” something and a time where the faithful are called to purify and renew themselves spiritually.
Here in the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa, in his correspondence to the clergy and others, Bishop Ryan Jimenez indicated that these guidelines will become effective on Ash Wednesday, February 26, 2020 and that the guidelines will be observed and implemented by all parishes in the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa.
During the next several issues, I will be sharing the details of the guidelines as it pertains to the Season of Lent.
FASTING
- Fasting is to be observed by all 18 years of age and older who have not yet celebrated their 59th birthday.
- On a FAST day, one full meal is allowed. Two other meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to each one’s needs, but together they should not equal another full meal.
ABSTINENCE
- Abstinence is observed by all 14 years of age and older. On days of abstinence, NO MEAT (like pork, beef & chicken) is allowed. But when health or ability to work would be seriously affected, the law does not oblige. If more clarification is needed, the Pastor or Parish Administrator should be consulted.
- Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence. All the Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence.
- Fasting, almsgiving, and prayer are the three traditional disciplines of Lent. The faithful, the Elect and those Candidates preparing for Reception into Full Communion in the Catholic Church should undertake these practices seriously in a spirit of penance and of preparation for baptism or of renewal of baptism at Easter.
SACRAMENT OF PENANCE
- During Lent, the faithful is urged to take a greater and more fruitful share in the Lenten Liturgy. It is very appropriate for the Sacrament of Penance (confession) to be celebrated during Lent in a more solemn form. (CB 251).
- The faithful are clearly and positively encouraged to receive this sacrament during Lent. Schedules for confessions and communal celebrations will be arranged in each parish so that all may be served adequately.
FUNERALS
- Good liturgical practice would suggest reflecting the liturgical season in the choice of music and scripture. The season of Lent may also reflect a change in the color of vesture and employ the option to use violet (OCF 39).
- On Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday, a Funeral Mass may NOT be celebrated. On these days the body of the deceased may be brought into the church for “Funeral Liturgy Outside Mass” using the Order of Christian Funerals. A Mass for the deceased should be offered as soon as is convenient after Easter Sunday (OCF 107-203).
Thank you and may God bless us all.
