LENTEN REGULATIONS AND ACTIVITIES

During Lent, special activities help us to open our lives to God’s renewing power. Jesus speaks of praying, fasting and almsgiving (Mt 6:1-6, 16-18).

PRAYING
The Stations of the Cross take place every Friday of Lent at 5:30 p.m. in the church. Please bring your family to these beautiful meditations on the Lord’s passion and death.

FASTING
Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, in particular, are the most important penitential days of the liturgical year. They are days of both fast and abstinence.

All Fridays in Lent are days of abstinence. The rule of abstinence binds all Catholics 14 years old and older. Abstinence refers to not eating meat. Under the present law this does not include egg or milk products, soups or gravies. The common estimation of the community is used to determine what falls under the category of meat.

The rule of fasting states that only one full meal a day can be taken. Two small meals, “sufficient to maintain strength,” are allowed, but together they should not equal another full meal. Eating between meals breaks the fast but drinking liquids does not. The rule of fasting obliges all Catholics from ages 18-59.

The substantial observance of the laws of fast and abstinence is a serious obligation. Those whose health would be impaired are excused from fasting and abstaining.

ALMSGIVING
During Lent, many people like to sacrifice in order to assist the poor and hungry, by contributing to Catholic Relief Services. One way is through the CRS RICE BOWL activity. We eat less at one meal and put the money saved in a little box for those who have so much less than we; we bring the donation to the church at the end of Lent. Catholic Relief Services distributes 75% of the funds to the needy around the world; the Diocese of San Angelo distributes 25% locally. An envelope is provided in your packet for this purpose; please return it by Easter.

The Collection on Ash Wednesday, February 13, helps to support essential unmet pastoral needs in Central, Eastern Europe, and areas of Asia formerly under Soviet control. The Collection is a way for Catholics in the United States to stand in solidarity and compassion with our brothers and sisters who suffered severe repression by the Soviet Union. They are still facing the formidable task of restoring church structures, and more importantly, rebuilding the spirituality of their communities. Collection funds are essential to ensuring that medical dispensaries, shelters and the help of religious and lay ministers are available to those who live in the region. Please give generously to this vitally important Collection and pray for our sisters and brothers in Central and Eastern Europe who still struggle to make a new beginning.

ASH WEDNESDAY MASSES
Wednesday, Feb 13, 8:30 a.m. (School)
12:00 Noon
5:45 p.m. (Choir)
Misa-Español, con cenisas, Martes, Feb 12, 5:45 p.m.

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