LENTEN REGULATIONS

•           All members of the Christian Faithful in their own way are bound to do penance in virtue of Divine Law; in order that all may be joined in a common observance of penance, penitential days are prescribed in which the Christian Faithful in a special way pray, exercise works of piety and charity and deny themselves by fulfilling their responsibilities more faithfully and especially by observing fast and abstinence according to the norms of Canon Law. (1983 Code of Canon Law: 1249)   All members of the Christian Faithful are encouraged to avail themselves of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, since it is a true encounter with the loving, forgiving Savior, Who takes away the burden of our sin, forgives our failing and is the source of peace and joy.

•           Ash Wednesday, February 22, 2023, and Good Friday, April 7, 2023, abstinence and fast are to be observed. (Canon 1251)  

•           All Fridays of Lent are penitential days through the universal Church in which abstinence from eating meat is to be observed. (Canon 1250)

•           OBLIGATION OF FAST AND ABSTINENCE: All persons age 14 and over are bound by the law of abstinence. All those over age 18 are bound by the law of fast up to age 59. Nevertheless, pastors and parents are to see to it that children who are not bound by the law of fast and abstinence are educated in the authentic sense of penance. (Canon 1251)

NOTE: When health or ability to work would be seriously affected the law of fast and abstinence does not oblige, but in the spirit of penance should still be implemented as much as possible in the particular situation. If you are in doubt concerning fast or abstinence, consult a parish priest or confessor.

•           HOLY EUCHARIST: All faithful, after they have received their First Communion, are bound by the obligation of receiving Communion at least once a year. This precept must be fulfilled during the Easter Season (from the First Sunday of Lent through Trinity Sunday) unless it is fulfilled for a just cause at some other time during the year (Canon 920). The satisfaction of the Eucharist precept outside this period requires a just cause, such as illness, but it may be satisfied within the space of one year.

•           A parish community may celebrate the Easter vigil only ONCE.   Celebrations of the Easter Vigil ordinarily may not begin before sunset. The celebration of an anticipated Easter Mass, prior to the Easter Vigil, is forbidden.