Dear Parishioners,

During Lent we practice abstinence from meat on Fridays and fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Practicing these days of penance are considered so important by the Church that they are explicitly stated in the Precepts of the Church which are “the indispensable minimum in the spirit of prayer and moral effort, in the growth in love of God and neighbor.” (CCC 2041)

Unfortunately, some people have quoted Pope Francis out of context claiming that the Church no longer requires the faithful to practice these penances. While Pope Francis has said we ought to “fast from” judging others, hurtful words, anger and many other sins, he is of course speaking metaphorically (because you cannot literally fast from an action). Also, refraining from evil does not mean you should not also fast and abstain on days that the Church commands us to. Canon Law even states this more strongly saying, “Abstinence from meat, or from some other food as determined by the Episcopal Conference, is to be observed on all Fridays, unless a solemnity should fall on a Friday. Abstinence and fasting are to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.” (Can. 1251) The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops does allow the faithful to take on other penances on Fridays outside of Lent.

So, why do we practice these penances during Lent? First, fasting and abstinence disciplines the body so that we are able to do good even when we are not satisfied. Second, they mortify the senses to go without what we normally enjoy. Third, it is a sign of mourning especially for our Lord who died on Friday. Lastly, if done prayerfully, they express our sorrow for our own sins and the sins of others. In other words, it is a way to make reparation to God.

I hope you are all having a happy and Holy Lent.

God Bless!

Fr. Carter

P.S. Saturday March 22nd at 7 pm we are having the Eucharistic Encounter. This is a time to praise and worship our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. Also, during that time, I will be hearing confessions. The last one we held went great. So, I hope you all can make it to this one as well.