Lent

What is Lent?

As Catholics throughout the diocese prepare to enter the solemn season of Lent, Father Ledeux clarified some questions Catholics may have about its significance and some of the rules for observance.

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What is Lent?

Lent is 40 days of prayer; fasting and almsgiving in preparation for Easter. It has a two-fold purpose: 1. For those who are preparing for baptism and reception into the church at Easter, these 40 days are filled with prayer and preparation for the Easter Vigil. 2. For all those who are already baptized, the 40 days present the opportunity, through the discipline of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, to prepare to renew their own baptismal promises during Easter.

When does Lent begin? End?

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and concludes before the celebration of the Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday.

Why are ashes placed on the foreheads of Catholics on Ash Wednesday?

Traditionally, the ashes for Ash Wednesday come from burning the palms from the previous year's Palm Sunday celebration. Ashes are a biblical symbol of mourning and penance. They also symbolize death and so remind us of our mortality. "Remember, man that thou art dust and unto dust thou shalt return," or "Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel" are the words that are spoken during the imposition of ashes.

What is fasting? Are some exempted from fasting, even on the obligatory days of Ash Wednesday and Good Friday?

Fasting is one of the most ancient practices linked to Lent. Fasting is more than a means of developing self-control. It is often an aid to prayer, as the pangs of hunger remind us of our hunger for God. The law of fasting requires a Catholic from the 18th birthday to the 59th birthday to reduce the amount of food eaten from normal. The church defines this as one meal a day, and two smaller meals which if added together would not exceed the main meal in quantity. Such fasting is obligatory on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Those who are sick and elderly are excused from this obligation, but they are encouraged to do some other kind of acts of charity.

What is the significance of palms and Palm Sunday?

This Sunday observes the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem that was marked by the crowds, who were in Jerusalem for Passover, waving palm branches and proclaiming him as the messianic king. Great crowds of people thronged the streets waving palm branches to welcome him. The people shouted "Hosanna" and laid their cloaks and palm branches from the nearby trees in his path. It begins the celebration of Holy Week for Christians.

Are there any changes to the liturgy during Lent?

The liturgy of Lent focuses on the passion and death of the Lord. The season is one that emphasizes the penitential nature of Lent. The Gloria and the Alleluia are not said or sung during Lent. The vestment color is purple - a reminder of the penitential nature of the season. Flowers might be absent from church, and organ music is restrained. The stark simplicity of Lenten worship can provide a striking contrast with the joyful celebration of Easter

Is there a different theme for Lenten readings?

Ash Wednesday inaugurates the Lenten season, and its readings set the guidelines for our 40-day journey. The Gospel gives us our Lenten outline: pray, fast and give alms, not for outward show but with hearts that are converted. Subsequent Scripture readings of the Lenten liturgies give us daily lessons based on these themes: 1) The first three weeks call us to repentance and to the practice of virtue. 2) The second theme that threads its way through the seasonal readings is the instruction of the catechumens who are preparing for Easter. 3) The final scriptural theme unfolding in the last two weeks of Lent is the mounting opposition toward Christ and his preaching.

Why do Catholics sacrifice during Lent?

The three traditional pillars of Lenten observance are prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Through the observance of these disciplines and with sacrifice, we as Catholics have an opportunity to grow in our faith.

Are there specific days during Lent, other than Sundays, that Catholics should make an effort to attend Mass?

In order to begin the season of Lent, Catholics should attend Mass on Ash Wednesday. As part of the discipline of Lent, it is strongly recommended that if possible, Catholics should attend Mass daily during Lent.