Dear Parishioners,

This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday which is the beginning of the penitential season of Lent. I want to review what is required of all of us during this season.

• This year, Lent begins on February 22nd and ends on Holy Thursday morning, April 6th.
• Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59 are required to Fast on Ash Wednesday, February 22nd) and Good Friday (April 7th).
• Catholics the age of 14 and older are required to abstain from eating meat on all the Fridays of Lent and on Ash Wednesday. This does not include eating animal by products such as milk or eggs.
• You may only be dispensed from these requirements for serious reasons. However, the following groups are dispensed: those who are ill, suffering from chronic diseases, also pregnant or nursing women. One should not jeopardize one’s health to maintain these penances. So, please use common sense.
• Not observing these penances are serious sins and may even be mortal if intentionally done knowing it is wrong.

We fast as Catholics because we need to train ourselves to be detached from the things of this world. As our Lord says, man does not live by bread alone but every word that precedes from the mouth of God. And elsewhere stated, certain ministries are only fruitful after prayer and fasting. Fasting is not just an outward observance, or meant to make us miserable. It’s something we do in order to be more receptive to the best things that God wishes to give us, for all good things come from Him.

Lastly, the Church is implementing a new form of the Sacrament of Reconciliation this year. So, please do not be alarmed if you hear that the words of absolution have changed slightly. It is good to go to confession at least once a year and Lent is a great time to do that. However , General absolution services where a group of people are absolved all at once should only be done in emergency circumstances. If it is not an emergency, then that form of absolution is invalid.

God bless!

Fr. Carter