IN THE DIOCESE
February 25, 2014
2
Lenten regulations
Lent 2014: Ash Wednesday, March 5
Lent focuses on two aspects of Christian life. First, we remember our Baptism and assist those preparing to be baptized by our prayers and example.
Second, we consider how we have lived out our baptismal promises and we
observe more intensely Christian penitential disciplines in order to live more
faithfully the vows we made, or will make, at Baptism. By emphasizing these
two points, the Church prepares for Easter, the highpoint of the entire liturgical year when we celebrate the Lord’s Resurrection.
Because we often fail to live out our baptismal call, we sin in ways that affect
our relationship with God, each other, and the world. Therefore, our Lenten
penance strives not only for inward conversion, but also for outward reconciliation with God and the Church, those around us, and creation. Thus, the
Church encourages us to follow more intensely three penitential disciplines:
prayer, fasting, and works of charity and love.
Prayer
During Lent, we are encouraged to participate more often in the Eucharist
and in other forms of communal and private prayer. This is an especially beneficial time to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance as well as the other liturgies of
the Church, such as the Liturgy of the Hours and adoration before the Blessed
Sacrament. Other devotions, such as Stations of the Cross, are encouraged as
well as daily prayer, Scripture reading, spiritual reading, alms-giving, selfdenial, and increased care for the sick and poor.
Appointments of Bishop Patrick J. McGrath
FEBRUARY
MARCH
27 Thurs, 2 p.m., Prayer Service, Holy Names
Sisters Convent, Campbell
2 Sun, 11 a.m., Installation of Pastor, Holy
Korean Martyrs Church, San Jose
5 Ash Wednesday, 12:05 p.m., Mass, Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph, San Jose
6 Thurs, 10 a.m., Clergy Personnel Board
Meeting, Diocesan Offices, San Jose
Thurs, 1 p.m., Meeting of the Bishop’s
Cabinet, Diocesan Offices, San Jose
7 Fri, Visit with Seminarians, St. Patrick’s
Seminary and University, Menlo Park
8 Sat, Dinner, SCU Golden Circle Dinner,
Fairmont Hotel, San Jose
9 Sun, 3:30 p.m., Rite of Election, Cathedral
Basilica of Saint Joseph, San Jose
10 Mon, 12 noon, Rotary Club Meeting, Elks
Club, Palo Alto
Mon, 7:30 p.m., Rite of Election, Cathedral
Basilica of Saint Joseph, San Jose
11 Tues, 7:30 p.m., Rite of Election, Cathedral
Basilica of Saint Joseph, San Jose
13 Thurs, 9:30 a.m. Council of Priests Meeting,
Diocesan Offices, San Jose
Thurs, 7:30 p.m., Mass, 40 Days for Life,
Saint Lucy Church, Campbell
15 Sat, 5:30 p.m., Dinner for Notre Dame High
School Auction, San Jose
16 Sun, 11 a.m., Mass, Young Ladies Institute,
Sacred Heart Church, Saratoga
19 Wed, 12:05 p.m., Mass, Feast of Saint Joseph, Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph, San Jose
Appointments of
Auxiliary Bishop
Thomas A. Daly
MARCH
February 25-March 4: Annual Regional Bishops’ Retreat, Jesuit Retreat Center, Los Altos
6 Thurs, 8:30 a.m., Saint Lawrence Academy
Admin Meeting, Diocesan Offices, San Jose
Thurs, 10 a.m., Clergy Personnel Board
Meeting, Diocesan Offices, San Jose
Thurs, 1 p.m., Meeting of the Bishop’s
Cabinet, Diocesan Offices, San Jose
10 Mon, United States Catholic Conference of
Bishops’ Meeting, Washington, DC
12 Wed, 10 a.m., Meeting of Intentional Presbyterate Comm., Diocesan Offices, San Jose
13 Thurs, 9:30 a. m., Council of Priests Meeting, Diocesan Offices, San Jose
Fasting and Abstinence
Denying or limiting oneself of food reminds us of our dependence on God
and God’s infinite care for us. Thus it also compels us to remember and to help
those who fast not by choice or religious obligation but by lack of food and
resources. During Lent, those of age 18 until the beginning of their 60th year
are obligated to observe a day of fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
Fasting means eating only one full meatless meal per day. Two other meatless
meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken, but together they should
not equal a full meal. Liquids, including milk and fruit juice, may be taken
between meals. If health or ability to work is affected, one is not obligated to
fast. On other weekdays of Lent, eating more modest meals is also strongly
recommended.
Abstinence from meat is observed on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent.
All the faithful are bound by Church law to abstain from meat on these days
from the day after their 14th birthday. Pastors and parents should ensure that
children who are not bound by the laws of fast and abstinence are catechized
in an authentic sense of penance, conversion, and reconcili