Ash Wednesday and Lenten Fasting

Masses will be celebrated and ashes distributed at 8:00am, 5:00pm and 8:00pm, all in Memorial Church.

In addition, there is an ecumenical service with distribution of ashes in Memorial Church at 12 noon.

Fasting and abstinence
The Church’s law of fast binds on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. The law of fasting obliges from the day after one’s 18th birthday until the day after one’s 59th birthday. Fasting means that one full meatless meal per day may be eaten. Two other meatless meals may be taken sufficient to maintain strength, 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 are affected, fasting does not oblige.

Abstinence from eating meat is to be observed on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays during Lent. All persons are bound by the law of the Church to abstain from the day after their 14th birthday.

Private, self-imposed observance of fasting on all week days of Lent is strongly recommended. Pastors and parents are to see to it that children who are not bound by the laws of fast and abstinence are educated in an authentic sense of penance, conversion and reconciliation.