During Lent the Catholic Church will take on a more somber theme. Our priests will be vested in purple to mark the liturgical season. The joyful acclamations of Alleluia and Glory to God will be dropped.

During lent we “give up” something. Popular forms of fasting may be: giving up desserts, candies, gum, soft drinks, alcohol, watching television, and junk food. These popular forms of fasting and abstinence promote personal discipline and self-control.

Fast & Abstinence
Catholics, 18-59 years of age are required to fast, on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Fasting means one normal meal and two smaller meals a day. Also, they are to abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays during Lent. The elderly, children and those with a medical condition are dispensed.

Ash Wednesday (fast and abstinence)
February 25, 2009

Good Friday (fast and abstinence)
April 10, 2009

Fridays in Lent (abstinence)

Ayuno y Abstinencia
Católicos, de la edad de 18-59 se les requiere ayunar, el Miércoles de Ceniza y el Viernes Santo. Ayunar es un alimento normal y dos pequeños al día. También se requiere abstinencia de comer carne, el Miércoles de Ceniza y todos los viernes durante la Cuaresma. Ancianos, niños y personas que están bajo cuidado medico están dispensados.

2nd Collection
The 2nd Collection on Ash Wednesday will be for The Church in Central & Eastern Europe

2nda Colecta
La segunda colecta el Miércoles de Ceniza es para La Iglesia en Europa Central y Oriental.