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in the diocese
February 3, 2015
Lenten Regulations
Lent 2015: Ash Wednesday, February 18
Lent focuses on two aspects of Christian life. First, we remember our Baptism
and prepare those to be baptized. Second, we practice more intensely Christian
penitential disciplines in order to live more faithfully the vows we made, or will
make, at Baptism. In these two ways, Catholics prepare for the great Easter season
when those who are not Christian are baptized and those who are already Christian
renew their baptismal promises.
Because we often fail to live out our baptismal call, we sin in ways that weaken
our relationship with God, each other, and the world. Through our Lenten penance,
we strive not only for inward conversion but also for outward reconciliation with
the Church, those around us, and creation. Thus, we practice more intensely three
penitential disciplines: prayer, fasting, and works of charity and love.
Prayer and Works of Charity
During Lent, Catholics participate more often in the Eucharist not only on Sunday but also on traditionally penitential days, such as Friday. We also celebrate the
Sacrament of Penance and other liturgies, such as Evening Prayer and adoration of
the Blessed Sacrament. To deepen our prayer life, we participate in other devotions
and works of service, including Stations of the Cross, daily prayer, Scripture reading, spiritual reading, alms-giving, self-denial, forgiveness of others, and increased
care for those in need.
Fasting and Abstinence
We practice the traditional penitential discipline of fasting by denying or limiting ourselves of food. During Lent, those age 18 through those beginning their 60th
year are obligated to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
Fasting means eating only one full meatless meal per day. One may also eat
two other meatless meals that are sufficient to maintain strength but together do
not equal a full meal. One may also drink liquids, including milk and fruit juice,
between meals. If your health or ability to work is affected, you are not obligated to
fast. If possible, fast on other days of Lent as well.
We practice abstinence from meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent. On
these days, from the day after one’s 14th birthday, all Catholics are bound by Church
law to abstain from meat. For children younger than 14, pastors and parents should
form them to have an authentic sense of penance, conversion, and reconciliation.
Easter Duty and Holy Communion
All the faithful, after they have participated in First Communion, are obligated
to share in Communion at least once a year. This law must be fulfilled during the
Easter season unless it is fulfilled for a just cause at some other time during the year.
In the United States, with regard to this law, the Easter season is the period from the
First Sunday of Lent until Most Holy Trinity Sunday (the Sunday after Pentecost).
Sacrament of Penance
After Baptism and a diligent examination of conscience, members of the Christian
faithful who are old enough to understand what they have done are obligated at least
once a year to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance if one has consciously committed
a serious sin. The Church encourages us also to confess less serious, or venial, sins.
Special Permissions for the Lunar New Year
In 2015, the Lunar New Year coincides with the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday. Many Asian Catholics hold a tradition of observing the Lunar New Year with
both prayer and celebration. For this reason, Bishop McGrath has given permission
this year for those Asian communities in the Diocese of San Jose that observe the
Lunar New Year to transfer their Ash Wednesday obligation of fasting and abstinence to Friday, February 27, 2015. Additional allowances are given to Vietnamese
Catholics regarding the celebration of Mass for Tết on Ash Wednesday. For more
information on these allowances, please consult your pastor.
The
Valley Catholic
Vol. 33 | No. 10
• February 3, 2015
Publisher
Bishop Patrick J. McGrath
Executive Editor & Communications Director
Liz Sullivan
[email protected]
Communications
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Yesenia Cabrera Hall
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Communications
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Russo, Sandra Torres, Penny Warne
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