Lenten Regulations
The following Lenten Regulations will serve as a guide in the observance of Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2015
“Christian faithful are to do penance through prayer, fasting, abstinence and by exercising works of piety and charity. All Fridays through the year, and especially during Lent, are penitential days”.
.jpg)
Abstinence: All who have reached their 14th birthday are to abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday and on all Fridays during Lent.
Fasting: All those who are 18 or older, until their 59th birthday, are to fast
on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Only one full meal is allowed on
days of fast. Tow other meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be
taken according to one’s need: but, together, they should not equal another
full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted, but liquids are allowed.
The obligation does not apply to those whose health or ability to work
would be affected seriously. People in doubt about fast or abstinence should consult a parish priest or confessor.
Unregulated Lenten practices:
The regulated Lenten practices are for all Catholics. Below are ways to pull it all together during Lent for each person individually to decide.
Fasting and Abstinence: Not just from meals and meat. Fasting and abstinence can be from other things too. Suggest ways that children and youth can fast and abstain such as from a favorite TV show or not play a favorite video game. Maybe suggest "giving up" candy and/or soda pop during Lent for what Jesus "gave up" for us.
Almsgiving: Together with prayer, fasting and abstinence - almsgiving is a way to give back for what has been given to us. For children and youth it doesn't have to be monetary. Suggest ways that they can "give back" with what they do. Let them know that doing things are a way of giving too. Pick up a Rice Bowl from Catholic Relief Services and have them put money they would have spent on candy, pop or a new video game in the Rice Bowl to donate at the end of Lent.
Prayer: Fasting, abstinence and almsgiving without prayer are just actions. Plan times for prayer with children and youth during Lent. Maybe start with The Stations of the Cross (also called The Way of the Cross). If you have never "walked" the Stations of the Cross, it is a good time to start as a family or project. You can do this at home or go to your church and walk them in private or at the scheduled times.
Links to Stations of the Cross:
Stations of the Cross from Catholic Online
The Stations of the Cross to meditate on with the Divine Mercy
(has scenes from The Passion of the Christ - may not be appropriate for children)
((has scenes from The Passion of the Christ - may not be appropriate for children)
Suggested reading during Lent - a Lenten Retreat. Our parish is using Consoling the Heart of Jesus - a do it yourself retreat, inspired by the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius.
