To find ways to participate more fully, go to the USCCB website; http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-year/lent/index.cfm
Fast & Abstinence
Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. In addition, Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence.
For members of the Latin Catholic Church, the norms on fasting are obligatory from age 18 until age 59. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal.
The norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding upon members of the Latin Catholic Church from age 14 onwards.
Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. In addition, Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence.
For members of the Latin Catholic Church, the norms on fasting are obligatory from age 18 until age 59. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal.
The norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding upon members of the Latin Catholic Church from age 14 onwards.
Spirituality Commission:
40 Days of Lent
By Beth Mahoney,
NCCW Spirituality Chair
"Lent is a favorable season for opening the doors to all those in need and recognizing in them the face of Christ."-- Pope Francis
These 40 days of Lent provide us with a great opportunity to be in the presence of our Lord and Savior. How might we do this?
In his Lenten message, Pope Francis challenges us to open the door to those in need and recognize the face of Christ. Here are some suggestions:
1. Pray for those who are hurting within their families, work place or neighborhoods.
2. Invite a friend to the Stations of the Cross.
3. Volunteer at a soup kitchen.
4. Make a visit to a nursing home.
5. Take an evening and visit someone you have not seen for awhile.
6. Participate in your parish or diocesan Lenten mission.
7. Make a good examination of conscience and go to confession.
8. Prepare a meal for someone who is homebound.
9. Visit a school and ask to pray with the students.
10. Begin a bible study class in your parish.
These are all ways that we can live out the words of Pope Francis this Lent. As Catholic women, let us continue to bring the corporal and spiritual works of mercy alive within our families, society and church.
Lord Jesus,
As we begin our journey with you in these 40 days, we desire to open the doors to those in need and to recognize you in everyone we encounter.
You suffered much in your final days of life on earth, and died to free us from sin so we can receive the gift of eternal life.
Help us, through your grace, to be a living witness of your loving presence to everyone we encounter. May we be guided by your spirit during this Lent, to draw closer to you by spending time in prayer and doing corporal and spiritual works of mercy.
We ask this in total trust that you hear our every prayer and are with us in all that we say and do.
Amen.
40 Days of Lent
By Beth Mahoney,
NCCW Spirituality Chair
"Lent is a favorable season for opening the doors to all those in need and recognizing in them the face of Christ."-- Pope Francis
These 40 days of Lent provide us with a great opportunity to be in the presence of our Lord and Savior. How might we do this?
In his Lenten message, Pope Francis challenges us to open the door to those in need and recognize the face of Christ. Here are some suggestions:
1. Pray for those who are hurting within their families, work place or neighborhoods.
2. Invite a friend to the Stations of the Cross.
3. Volunteer at a soup kitchen.
4. Make a visit to a nursing home.
5. Take an evening and visit someone you have not seen for awhile.
6. Participate in your parish or diocesan Lenten mission.
7. Make a good examination of conscience and go to confession.
8. Prepare a meal for someone who is homebound.
9. Visit a school and ask to pray with the students.
10. Begin a bible study class in your parish.
These are all ways that we can live out the words of Pope Francis this Lent. As Catholic women, let us continue to bring the corporal and spiritual works of mercy alive within our families, society and church.
Lord Jesus,
As we begin our journey with you in these 40 days, we desire to open the doors to those in need and to recognize you in everyone we encounter.
You suffered much in your final days of life on earth, and died to free us from sin so we can receive the gift of eternal life.
Help us, through your grace, to be a living witness of your loving presence to everyone we encounter. May we be guided by your spirit during this Lent, to draw closer to you by spending time in prayer and doing corporal and spiritual works of mercy.
We ask this in total trust that you hear our every prayer and are with us in all that we say and do.
Amen.
