Another Lenten journey of further conversion will begin on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 25. During Lent we prepare for the celebration of the Paschal Mystery of Our Lordís suffering, death and resurrection. It is a time for reflection and spiritual renewal, a time to examine our relationships with God and with others. The Church also calls us to a spirit of penance, above all to practice the ìActs of Religionî: fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, ìwhich express conversion in relation to oneself, to God, and to others.î (ìCatechism of the Catholic Churchî, para. 1969 and 1434.) In accordance with the general law of the Church (ìCode of Canon Law,î Canons 1249-1253), I call your attention to some Lenten duties and also offer other recommendations.

I. FAST AND ABSTINENCE (self-denial). To foster the spirit of penance and of reparation for sin, (including the harm that has been caused to victims and to the Church at large by clergy sexual misconduct and in reparation also for the scourge of abortion and other attacks against human life), to encourage self-denial, and to guide us in the footsteps of Jesus, Church law requires the observance of fast and abstinence.

Abstinence: All persons who have already celebrated their 14th birthday, are bound to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent.

Fasting: Everyone, from the celebration of their 18th birthday to their 59th birthday, is bound to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Voluntary fasting on other weekdays of Lent is recommended. Fasting is generally understood to mean eating one full meal each day. Two other partial meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken; but together they should not equal another full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted, but liquids are allowed. Other forms of ìfasting,î especially regarding alcoholic drink, needless television, video games, Internet use, and social entertainment, is of true spiritual value and is encouraged. When health or ability to work would be seriously affected, neither the law of fasting nor the law of abstinence obliges. If in doubt, the parish priest or confessor may be consulted. Airport workers, travelers, and others while on board ships or airplanes are dispensed from the laws of fast and abstinence for the duration of their journey (except on Good Friday). It is desirable that they perform some other pious act instead.

II. PRAYER. In order to deepen oneís love for Christ, I urge Catholics to read and pray over Sacred Scripture; to study the ìCatechism of the Catholic Churchî; and to participate in devotions offered by the parish; and to pray more fervently — individually, as families, and in common with others. I exhort the faithful to pray the Rosary and to make private visits to the Blessed Sacrament. Please pray especially for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, for a fruitful Diocesan Synod in October, and for world peace.

Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation: Lent is a privileged time for celebrating this sacrament. Parishes generally make readily available the Sacrament of Penance, including its communal celebration. In this way, the social and ecclesial aspects of sin and reconciliation, as well as oneís personal reconciliation with God may be underscored. (At such communal celebrations of reconciliation, however, general absolution is not permitted.) We should attend also to reconciliation in every aspect of human life — personal, familial, societal, and ecclesial.

Lenten Mass Schedule: Daily Masses during Lent are so scheduled so as to afford the faithful ample opportunities for spiritual growth. I urge you to attend weekday Mass as often as possible.

The Stations of the Cross are celebrated publicly in each parish on Fridays during the Lenten season. You are urged to participate.

Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament is highly encouraged during Lent and each parish is also urged to schedule Solemn Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament (Forty Hours) in accordance with Canon 942. The faithful are encouraged to take part whenever possible.

Wedding Masses may not be celebrated during the Easter Triduum, on Sundays of Lent, Ash Wednesday, or during Holy Week. Marriages may take place at other times during Lent, but it is contrary to the penitential spirit of the season to have elaborate weddings or lavish receptions.

Funeral Masses may not be celebrated on Holy Thursday, during the Easter Triduum, or on the Sundays of Lent. When pastoral reasons require that a funeral be celebrated on these days, a Liturgy of the Word with the final commendation and farewell rite is held.

Easter Duty: All Catholics who have been initiated into the Holy Eucharist are bound to receive Holy Communion worthily at least once during the Easter Season: Easter Sunday, April 11, through Holy Trinity Sunday, June 6. You are encouraged to receive Communion as often as possible during Lent and Eastertide.

III. ALMSGIVING. The act of giving to the poor, in the most ancient tradition of the Church, is an expression of penance, a form of piety, a witness of fraternal charity and an expression of Lenten conversion. Therefore, I urge all Catholics to support generously the charitable works of the Church, including ordinary stewardship to their parish; pledge redemption to the diocesan capital campaign, ìPreserving Our Past, Building Our Future;î and contributions to the Diocesan Food Bowl. People are also encouraged to assist the sick, the aged, the needy and the imprisoned, both personally and through parish and civic programs. As we pursue our Lenten pilgrimage of faith and climb the holy mountain of Easter, may God direct our steps to himself, and show us how to walk always in his way.

Copyright © 2004 Diocese of Sacramento - All Rights Reserved