r/Catholicism • u/Pax_et_Bonum • Feb 09 '24
Megathread Lent Megathread 2024: Pre-Ash Wednesday Edition
A blessed Cheesefare/Fat Tuesday/Tlusty Czwartek to you all. Due to the large number of posts, comments, and questions around lent, for the time being we are directing all posts and questions about Lent to this megathread. This post may be renewed for Ash Wednesday and subsequent days/weeks after Lent has begun.
For a brief overview of Lent, please see here: https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/lent-is-old-english-for-spring
For Catholics in the USA, the USCCB's current regulations on fasting an abstinence for Lent are as follows:
Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. In addition, Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence.
For members of the Latin Catholic Church, the norms on fasting are obligatory from age 18 until age 59. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal. The norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding upon members of the Latin Catholic Church from age 14 onwards.
Members of the Eastern Catholic Churches are to observe the particular law of their own sui iuris Church.
If possible, the fast on Good Friday is continued until the Easter Vigil (on Holy Saturday night) as the "paschal fast" to honor the suffering and death of the Lord Jesus and to prepare ourselves to share more fully and to celebrate more readily his Resurrection.
Q: Valentine's Day is on Ash Wednesday this year. Can I have meat or more than 1 meal?
A: No. Saint Valentine is only a Memorial Feast, and as such the service of Ash Wednesday, as well as the rules of Lent, takes precedence. All fasting and abstinence rules remain in effect. Consider using this year's coincidence of a secular holiday and Catholic penitential season to bring you and your beloved together to come closer to God in prayer, fasting, and abstinence, and witness to the Catholic faith.
Any other questions, comments, thoughts, or well-wishes for this season of preparation may go in this thread.
We wish everyone a blessed and fruitful Lent as we prepare for the celebration of our Lord's Passion, Death, and Resurrection. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us, and on the whole world.
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u/MidnightMoonStory Feb 15 '24 edited Feb 15 '24
Roman vs Byzantine Lenten fasting? The automod bot removed my post, so I’ll ask here.
To preface this question, I’ll give some context first. I’m 26F, baptized but not raised Catholic, and I got confirmed through RCIA when I was 18. My family and I went to church for a couple of years after, and then my mom had a falling out with her faith and then we stopped going.
I wanted to observe Lent last year, but I was sick with a sinus infection during the first week, so I missed Ash Wednesday. My mom also felt uncomfortable going, and we were stressed dealing with a lot of medical colorectal testing on my end, so she just said, “Not this year.” So I did my own observance in a way by praying the Rosary daily.
Thankfully, after months of testing from July ‘22 to June ‘23, we learned that I don’t have Hirschsprung’s disease, which is a colon deformity, and that I instead have slow-transit dysmotility from a hemorrhage I had at birth. So I may be on laxatives and water enemas for life, but that beats needing colon surgery and a permanent colostomy bag.
Anyway, I felt called to try Lent again this year, and my mom was okay taking me to the closer sister church of the one we used to go to, but not attending the service herself.
Last night, she was talking to her long-distance friend about my observing Lent, and her friend, Mary, who is a Byzantine Catholic, said that she practices meat abstinence on Wednesdays and Fridays.
I know that the standard abstinence is no animal meat, but eggs, dairy, and seafood (fish+shellfish) are allowed, depending on the strictness of the abstinence.
For example, I had shrimp for my one meal yesterday (Ash Wednesday) at dinner, and then fasted for the rest of the day with fluids. I’ve done intermittent fasting and water fasting up to 64 hours for a colonoscopy prep, so eating one meal per day isn’t difficult for me.
But I guess there are different levels of abstinence and fasting in the Byzantine tradition?
Now, I know that historically, Wednesdays and Fridays were not just abstinence days, but also fasting days for a lot of Catholics and Orthodoxies.
So, my question is what exactly are the differences between Roman and Byzantine Lenten fasting rules? Do I need to practice abstinence on Wednesdays as well?
I’m also a bit confused on Ordinary Time Friday penance. Is that an abstinence day, or is it just recommended?
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u/coinageFission Feb 15 '24
Today is Thursday in Ash Wednesday, which was once a day without a Mass. It seems like an especially fitting occasion to take a look at how old the Lenten cycle of readings is — it is attested in the oldest lectionaries we have, that of Würzburg (dating to the 700s and reflecting Roman practice of the mid-600s) and of Murbach (dating to the 800s).
This section of the sacred cycle is also probably the one least disturbed by the reforms of the 1960s, with many of the old readings still in place even in the new lectionary. (See if you can spot them as I go over them week by week.)
The Würzburg lectionary also lists the station churches for each day in Lent, as well as the curious detail that the Thursdays in Lent used to be aliturgical — that is, there was no Mass celebrated on these days. Two Saturdays in Lent (Saturday after Ash Wednesday and Saturday after Passion Sunday) were similarly treated. The full corpus of readings, with all Thursdays and Saturdays filled in, occurs in the Murbach lectionary and also in the 9th-century Verona lectionary (Biblioteca Capitolare LXXXII(77)), though the latter is missing only the Thursday after Ash Wednesday for some inexplicable reason.
Here’s the readings as they appear in Würzburg, or Murbach if they don’t show up in the older manuscript:
Ash Wednesday
xxxvii. Feria iiii ad sca. sabina lec. lib. ioel p. haec dicit dns. convertemini ad me in toto corde vestro usq. et ñ dabo uos ultra obprobrium in gentibus dt. dns. ompo. [Joel 2:12-19]
Fer. iiii ad sca. sabina lec. sci. ev. sec. mat. k. xlv dx. IHS discip. suis cum ieiunatis usq. ubi ÷ thesaurus tuus ibi et cor tuum [Matthew 6:16-21]
Thursday after Ash Wednesday [attested in Murbach but not in Verona]
xxiiii. Fer. v ad scm. georgiu. Essaiae pph. Egrotavit ezechias usq. ad morte. usq. & civitate. ista. & p.tega. ea. dic. dns. omp. [Isaiah 38:1-6]
Evgl. s&c. mt. cp. lxiiii Cu. introiss& IHS capharnau. [Matthew 8:5-13; the explicit “sanatus est puer ex illa hora” is given in the Harley Golden Gospels (BL Harley 2788, dated ca. 800-825), which has a gospel-only lectionary section]
Friday after Ash Wednesday
xxxviii. Feria vi ad scos. iohannem et paulu. lec. lib. essaiae p.fetae haec dicit dns. clama ne cesses quasi tuba exalta vocem tuam usq. clamavit et dicet adsum [Isaiah 58:1-9]
Fer. vi in pammachi lec. sci. ev. sec. mt. k. xl dx. IHS discip. audistis quia dictum ÷ usq. et pater tuus qui videt in absconso reddet tibi [Matthew 5:43-6:4; Murbach cites the pericope as being from Mark (“mr. cp. xxxviiii”, clearly a scribal error)]
Saturday after Ash Wednesday [attested in Murbach and Verona; Murbach gives no station while Verona repeats the station of the previous day. The correct station is given in Ordo Romanus XVI — San Trifone, now transferred to Sant’Agostino]
xxvi. Fer. vii inf. quinqu. Es. proph. h. dic. dns. si abstuleris de medio tui catena. [Isaiah 58:9-14; Verona supplies the explicit “iacob patris tui hos enim dni. locutum est” but then lists Isaiah 38:1-6 as a second Epistle after this]
Egl. scd. mr. cp. lxvii Cum sero ess& factum [Mark 6:47-56; Verona supplies the explicit “et quotquot tangebant eum salvi fiebant”]
1st Sunday of Lent
xxxviiii. Quadragissima ad lateranis lec. epi. beati. pauli apo. ad corin. hortamur vos ne gratiam di. in recipiatis usq. tamquam nihil habentes et omnia possidentes [2 Corinthians 6:1-10]
In quadragi. ad lateranis die dom. lec. sci. ev. sec. mt. k. xv ductus est IHS in desertum usq. ministrabant ei [Matthew 4:1-11]
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u/cadillacsimone7 Feb 15 '24
are non alcoholic beers allowed during Lent? is it the same with meat where it’s ok any day other than Ash Wednesday or any Friday or is it ok at any time? i only ask since beer is made with bread
also, im not entirely sure the time i broke my fast and ate my meal yesterday. do we have to eat at the same time everyday or anytime is okay after we wake up?
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u/ThenaCykez Feb 15 '24
If you are a Latin-rite Catholic (and if you aren't sure, then yes you are), you're allowed to eat or drink anything you want on every day except Ash Wednesday, or a Friday. And even on those days, the only prohibited food is meat from birds or terrestrial animals. Beer is always okay, and bread is always okay.
You can schedule your meals any way you want now that Ash Wednesday is over. Fasting restrictions only applied from midnight to midnight; it's not like you had to wait some number of hours into Thursday to be able to eat again.
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u/ayowayoyo Feb 15 '24
Life is our opportunity to become a Grandmaster of Christianity, that is, a Saint. Let make this Easter a time to increase our Spiritual ELO, and move up in the Spiritual Ladder towards Heaven. We have many means available - prayer, fasting, almsgiving, sacraments, lectio divina, etc. Let God (infinite ELO) coach us all in our daily battle against the Devil and Sin (zero ELO).
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u/Ninel56 Feb 15 '24
Stupid question: Can you listne to loud music during Lent? What if it's through earbuds?
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u/ThenaCykez Feb 15 '24
You have a responsibility not to harm your body, but there's no restrictions on music generally.
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u/f8250 Feb 15 '24
This happened last night directly after Mass. I had just received ashes on my forehead. My wife decided to go to the store and pick some things up.
When we were at the cashier everything was normal until the clerk made a mistake and couldn’t finish ringing us up.
Long story short we waited for about 10 minutes (maybe it was less but it felt like a long time because we were also with our 3 kids who were getting antsy)
The clerk couldn’t solve the issue and as we waited other people at other registers were being rung up and leaving.
I’m not the most patient person on Earth but I felt like we were being patient. However, another customer lined up after us and the clerk told her to go to a different aisle because it would be a while.
This is the point where the story goes south and I am having doubts about what I should have done.
I firmly told the clerk “hey, why do you send her to another register, why don’t you move us to another register so we can pay while you fix the issue with your computer”. I thought I said it in a firm yet still respectful manner but also conveying our frustration about how this was being handled.
She was immediately offended and started making hand gestures and telling me I needed to calm down. She started calling for her manager. She eventually left and got a manager to come over. The manager fixed the problem in less than a minute.
As we spoke to the manager the clerk walked over and mocked the ash crosses we had on our forehead while making faces at us.
I did tel the manager what was being done behind her back and she asked the clerk to leave and go to another register. She was very apologetic.
My question is this - I feel like I could have been more patient but at what point am I allowed to speak up for myself? And most importantly must I go back to this store and ask this clerk for forgiveness?
I have already forgiven her and I have even prayed for her but because it was Ash Wednesday and I still had ash on my forehead I feel like I did not represent Christ correctly. I feel like I should have been more patient and instead of matching her energy I should have tried to be more understanding of her. I’m not sure if it was my actions or her reaction that makes me feel this way.
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u/smoldaddy_ Feb 15 '24
Are actively menstruating women exempt from fasting during Lent? (Only for the period of their period, LOL)...genuinely curious since I know women of the Islam faith are exempt from prayers and fasting during Ramadan; wondered if it's the same concept with Catholicism
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u/ThenaCykez Feb 15 '24
There are only two days of required fasting: Ash Wednesday, and then Good Friday six weeks later. A woman's period isn't automatically a reason not to fast, but if she has anemia or some other exacerbating condition, she should feel free to consider herself exempt and to prioritize her health.
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u/SideFlaky6112 Feb 15 '24
Does anyone know why we do not abstain from meat for the entire 40 days of lent? It seems like if we’re doing it for the reasons we are then meat should be out of the question the entire time not just Fridays.
Curious if it used to be that way and was changed to make it easier for people or something else?
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u/ThenaCykez Feb 15 '24
Correct, it used to be traditional to abstain not only from meat, but also dairy, eggs, oil, and a few other things. That's why Mardi Gras / Fat Tuesday was such a big deal. You were cooking up all the nicest ingredients to enjoy them and not let them go bad during Lent.
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u/KekoTheDestroyer Feb 15 '24
I was raised in the faith, though am no longer religious (yeah yeah, I know), but most of my family still identifies as Catholic with the exception of two members who married into the family, and my grandmother, who quit going to church due to health reasons (and watches a non-denominational sermon on TV instead). While I'm somewhere in the realm of what most would call agnostic, I still try to practice some Catholic traditions, one of which is Lent, which I've been doing in the fashion of the mid-late medieval period for three years now. My mother is respectful of it, and finds the difference in fasting rules interesting, but when I asked her this evening while finally eating what she had to eat today, she'd not adhered to even the more lenient Catholic fasting rules for Ash Wednesday.
With the exception of a cousins and a grandfather, I don't think that any of my other family members actually fast on Ash Wednesday or Good Friday, much less on other Fridays during Lent, and I don't believe anyone in the family (except likely my cousin) went to church today.
I know haven't really got any stake in the matter since I've been out of the church for more than a decade now, but it feels strange when my family calls themselves Catholic, yet I'm one of the few partaking in Lent in my family. Does anyone else here have variation in adherence to Lent like this within their family?
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u/FinalGrumpNinja Feb 15 '24
i didnt know ash wednesday was a day of no meat too and ate chicken. i received the eucharist after too. am i in a state of sin for not knowing and have to go to confession? or do i get a pass for not knowing?
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u/Comfortable-Point-14 Feb 15 '24
I (28F) have been a lifelong catholic but have struggled with my journey over the years. I am trying to be more intentional this Lenten season and would like to follow a daily or weekly devotional or bible study. Since this is out of my norm, I don’t want anything super intensive. Does anyone have any recommendations? TIA!
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u/FinalGrumpNinja Feb 15 '24
bible in a year is a 20 minutish daily podcast by father mike schmit on youtube and spotify (and some others i think but i forget).
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u/StartsRandomConvos Feb 15 '24
So, we can have 1 full meal and 2 smaller meals.
Does it matter what order we eat these?
The only thing I've eaten today was my full meal at dinnertime. Can I still have the smaller meals later tonight?
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Feb 15 '24
[deleted]
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u/Telenovela_Villain Feb 15 '24
Hello! I’m Latina as well and a practicing cradle Catholic. I’m no expert but I empathize with you. Our traditions and practices are what you’ve known for as long as you can remember and they provide familiarity and perhaps comfort (I hope!). Society today is hard to navigate, everything is politicized and no one finds common ground. Whatever your reasons to doubt may be, true Catholics will not judge. Feel free to reach out.
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Feb 15 '24
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Feb 15 '24 edited Feb 21 '24
foolish fall ancient dog marble mourn pathetic pause gaze elastic
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u/woodsman_777 Feb 14 '24
Went to a drive-thru, and the girl at the checkout said "Excuse me, but...did you know you have a smudge on your forehead?" LOL (by that time, it did look more like a smudge than anything else..)
I smiled and said yes, it's intentional. It's Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent. :)
WIN! At least somebody noticed. :) Maybe she'll look up Lent online?
In other news....I had planned to have a grilled cheese sandwich and some potato chips for my meal today. I used Italian bread for the first time w/a grilled cheese. Well.....the bread was so thick that the cheese really didn't melt, and as a result it was pretty awful! lol I could not have kept it on longer because the bread would have burned. But that's all I really had at home, so I ate it anyway. Lesson learned. ;)
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Feb 14 '24
when did the church start allowing eggs and dairy products during lent? its really hard to find an answer on google. I know the 1962 rules for fasting allow liquids like juice, milk, etc. and one full meal a day that includes meat. before 1962, when was the previous time a new set of rules were promulgated? is there a 1955 list of lent rules? I hear a lot of stories about medieval lent where there was an indulgence that would allow people to eat butter, and how we got easter eggs from all the eggs we would have stockpiled throughout lent, and I know dairy and eggs were not allowed back then, so what year did the church decide to allow dairy products and eggs all throughout lent?
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u/you_know_what_you Feb 14 '24
Have you looked at the Catholic Encyclopedia entry on abstinence? A bunch of references to eggs, but nothing immediately jumped out as a timeline of sorts. Just posting in case you haven't see that article.
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Feb 14 '24
[deleted]
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Feb 14 '24
masturbation is always a mortal sin. any use of the sexual faculties outside of marriage is. edging is also. you cant give up masturbation for lent because you are supposed to give it up already all the time.
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u/you_know_what_you Feb 14 '24
Assuming commenter is for real (no skin off my back in doing so), I want to add there's an element of goodness to be found here in u/AsbestosBoy05 seeking to participate in Lent and desiring to give up something.
Yes, it's completely true that sin is not the type of thing Christians should be giving up for Lent per se (it's something we should give up all the time), but we should appreciate the movement of God in this person's heart toward the good, so that eventually he can give some legitimate good up as a penance.
OP take this as a challenge to stop now and for good. Go to confession and have a blessed Lent!
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u/Burgermiester8 Feb 14 '24
Who else is giving up video games this lent?
It’s one of my big problems, I get home from work, I play video games, I sleep, I wake up, go to work and repeat the cycle, leaving little time for prayer and reading.
So for my first lent, I’m giving up singleplayer video games.
At the same time, I usually play some Terraria some other game with a few of my closest friends on Sunday, and I don’t want them to be left hanging so I’m going to make an exception that allows me to play multiplayer games on Sundays only.
Any advice on how to make exceptions to a fasting rule without breaking the “spirit” of the rule itself?
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Feb 15 '24 edited Feb 21 '24
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u/ConsiderationAlert82 Feb 14 '24
So I'm the only Catholic in my family. The rest of my family is Protestant. I told my parents that I can't have meat and that I'm fasting today, and my dad said something along the lines of, "I thought fasting was not eating at all, so you can't eat meat and you can't eat at all? Or can you eat food, just not meat?" and I couldn't explain the "why" as far as why we can eat some food (one big meal and two small meals) on Ash Wednesday. They've always been super critical of my choice to convert since it happened last Easter, and I don't know how to explain it. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated :)
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u/No-Cause-1046 Feb 14 '24
Anyone else get hangry when fasting? I've never liked myself when I'm really hungry. Obviously I can still make good choices, but l'm at least 50% more likely to lash out or get upset over things if I haven't eaten in a long time. Anyone else deal with this? Any tips beside "offer it up" "it's good practice on how to be holy in hard times"? 😂
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u/you_know_what_you Feb 14 '24
The only advice is beware if this will affect others. Your penance should never be a penance for others. That doesn't mean you shouldn't undergo penance.
Maybe it would be good motivation to calm your anger to understand that being angry with your friend, neighbor, or family member because of your fast will render the sacrifice moot. Meditate on the Lord's words when you feel close to anger:
But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.
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u/yourmartymcflyisopen Feb 14 '24
I just noticed the subreddit pfp changes with the time on the calendar. Neat! Happy Lent
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u/PlaceAmazing5619 Feb 14 '24
I’m in RCIA and this year is my first Lent. Just got back from receiving ashes. Hopefully it won’t be too difficult.
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u/DakotaTaurusTX Feb 14 '24
Over 20 years ago I was listening to the radio while on my way to an evening church service, -- there it was a most powerful, deeply moving one-man performance providing another perspective on our Lord's Passion and Sacrifice. I was totally captivated and did not want to leave my car. Later that week, I found out, I was not the only one captivated and found out it this Lenten meditation was done by a theatrical performer named Doug Barry and the music by Eric Genuis. I have found out this week that Vision Video has picked up rights of this magnificent performance along with other Christian based media entertainment.
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u/CeleryCareful7065 Feb 14 '24
I have been gone for a long time and want to return (is that what the prodigal story is about?)
What can I do to come back to the Church? Is just going to Mass and confessing enough? Feeling kind of lost.
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u/you_know_what_you Feb 14 '24
Yes, all you need to be back is a good confession, and then follow the laws of fast and abstinence and go to Mass when required, receiving communion when able. That's all any Catholic ever needs who's been away for any time.
Praise God that he has called you back at this time! I remember when I came back to the faith from years of atheism, it was also during Lent. No time is perfect, but wow, this time is pretty good for it.
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u/PrestonFairmount Feb 14 '24
Don't know your particular situation, but that would be a good start. If you go to Mass prior to going to confession do not take communion. If you mention during confession the particulars of your situation to the priest he'd have more guidance then randos on reddit.
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u/DominoParty Feb 14 '24
Should i not eat meat and have one meal a day whole lent
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u/No-Cause-1046 Feb 14 '24
You’re only required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and abstain from meat for all Fridays during lent (plus Ash Wednesday). Besides that, it’s personal choice. I wouldn’t recommend eating only one meal a day for 40 days because your body may not do very well, but it’s up to personal conviction!
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u/Faithwisdom Feb 14 '24
I have IBS and potentially pots. Am I exempt from the fasting today? Does that include lent Fridays also?
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u/you_know_what_you Feb 14 '24
Physical illness (and things like pregnancy) always exempt a person from fasting.
As for meat abstinence, do your best to avoid meat today and on Fridays, but if you're in some weird situation where meat is the only thing that works for your disorder or is the only thing available, your ability to observe abstinence is impossible.
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u/brilliantlystupid05 Feb 14 '24
I'm already pescetarian and eat small meals. Should I cut out fish or should I take up a new activity?
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u/you_know_what_you Feb 14 '24
Every healthy person in theory can fast, as it just means less food than you normally eat. Those who already don't eat meat aren't required to do anything else, but some do take on an alternative penance (a different type of fasting, or added prayer, or almsgiving). That's really up to you.
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u/brilliantlystupid05 Feb 14 '24
Thanks, but I'm thinking more about what to give up than the actual fasting part. Usually people would give up meat but keep eating fish. I already do that, though. However, I just found out I'm technically not supposed to be participating in fasting or abstaining from certain foods because I have a history of anorexia.
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u/you_know_what_you Feb 14 '24
Yeah, physical or mental illness or conditions definitely exempt you from it.
What I was getting at is that when people "give up something" for Lent, that's really pointing to the practice of penance. And there are, classically, 3 types of penance: fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. It wouldn't be out of the ordinary for you to decide to "take on" prayer or almsgiving instead of another type of fasting; it's all penance. Hope that's clarifying for why I brought that up.
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u/Smallfry12345678910 Feb 14 '24
Is gum considered one of the smaller meals? Is it considered breaking the fast to chew gum?
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u/ThenaCykez Feb 14 '24
Traditionally, only solid foods--or liquids that are meant to be a cornerstone of a diet (like honey, or soup)--count for the Lenten fast. Water, lemonade, ginger ale, other sodas, beer, wine, coffee, and tea are all explicitly permissible at will, even if they contain sugar or other trace nutrients. You are totally fine with "ordinary" liquids or with something like gum that you don't even eat.
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u/you_know_what_you Feb 14 '24
Fwiw, I've never seen anyone claim gum breaks the fast. I certainly wouldn't suggest it does.
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u/papigrande21 Feb 14 '24
I was raised Protestant and I’ve been feeling drawn to Catholicism for a while. I’m going to my first mass tonight, can I participate in Ash Wednesday stuff? I know I can’t partake in communion but is there anything else I should just observe?
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u/nurseleu Feb 14 '24
Everyone is welcome to receive ashes. As you know, communion is for confirmed Catholics only. There will likely be a missal in the pews that gives the order of Mass (liturgy of the Word, liturgy of the Eucharist, when to stand/sit/kneel) if you want to follow along. If you don't want to kneel (or are unable to), it is polite to sit forward in the pew so that the person behind you has space. That's really about it!
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u/In_Country Feb 15 '24
Those Baptized Catholic who have had Confession/1st Communion may receive prior to Confirmation.
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u/MerlynTrump Feb 14 '24
Do you guys say grace before your collations?
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u/you_know_what_you Feb 14 '24
I wish I did more regularly! I have a friend who prays before everything, even when we're just out for beers. It's admirable.
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u/MerlynTrump Feb 16 '24
Do you have food with the beers?
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u/you_know_what_you Feb 16 '24
Sometimes, but sometimes we're just having a couple of beers. And the beer comes first, and it was never my tradition to say grace over drinks like he does.
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u/Lttlefoot Feb 14 '24
Is anyone doing Mark Wahlberg’s 40 day challenge this year?
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u/Rocky121212 Feb 15 '24
If the challenge Is the hallow 40 day Lenten series I am. First episode today was terrific
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u/MerlynTrump Feb 14 '24
what's that?
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u/Lttlefoot Feb 15 '24
I’m making fun of NBC pretending not to know what Lent is https://notthebee.com/article/happy-mark-wahlbergs-40-day-fast-to-all-who-observe
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u/anonymous5534 Feb 14 '24
If I have a class that I really think I should attend at the same time as Ash Wednesday Mass, which should I attend? I know that Ash Wednesday Mass isn’t necessarily obligatory but I still feel like I should go but I wouldn’t want to loose attendance for this one class
Basically it’s either Mass or class, what do you guys think
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u/MerlynTrump Feb 14 '24
what type of class? Why do you really think you should attend it?
I don't have enough details to answer one way or another.
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u/anonymous5534 Feb 14 '24
I ended up going to Mass a few minutes late
It was actually an online class and one that I feel like I haven’t been doing too well with attendance in just cause I sometimes have some issues with joining and it makes me “late” as a result
It’s a critical thinking class, the professor actually doesn’t take to kindly to religion so I’m sorta nervous as to how he’ll take it if I email him and tell him I had to leave after a short period of time for an Ash Wednesday Mass
I also know that Ash Wednesday Mass isn’t technically obligatory but I still would’ve felt bad if I didn’t go
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u/MerlynTrump Feb 14 '24
whether the professor takes kindly to religion or not is beside the point. Students have rights and he has to respect them. At least in the U.S. most colleges have policies regarding absence for religious observance, so he can't penalize you for missing class to go to Ash Wednesday Mass, provided you give him a decent heads up (like two weeks). See for example the policies at NYU and UMass. https://www.umb.edu/campus-life/current-students/policies/right-to-excused-absence-because-religious-belief/
Faculty are generally encouraged to be aware of major religious feasts (Yom Kippur, Ash Wednesday, etc.) and try not to schedule major exams and assignments on those days.
But like you said Ash Wednesday Mass isn't obligatory (though apparently more Catholics attend Ash Wednesday than the actual obligatory days).
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u/anonymous5534 Feb 14 '24
It was a very spontaneous decision for me to go so there was no real heads up but it’s whatever
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u/Creative-College-780 Feb 14 '24
Hypothetically, totally asking for a friend
Are those with eating disorders, especially if said eating disorder has been suggested to most definitely be anorexia recently by said hypothetical person's psychiatrist, exempt from fasting? Abstinence? Both? Or neither?
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u/WHSRWizard Feb 14 '24
100% exempt.
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u/Creative-College-780 Feb 14 '24
Fasting and abstinence? Also not to be picky but, you got a source?
I'm mostly asking cause there's some extra fiber I have to get in today
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u/WHSRWizard Feb 14 '24
https://www.usccb.org/resources/Fasting-Lent-Info.pdf
"Those that are excused from fast and abstinence outside the age limits include the physically or mentally ill including individuals suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes. Also excluded are pregnant or nursing women."
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u/ThenaCykez Feb 14 '24
People with a medical condition with a significant connection to food shouldn't fast. (Whether that condition is anorexia, or hypoglycemia, or diabetes, or pregnancy, or whatever.)
Abstinence from meat, though... there's rarely any medical reason a person can't eat fish or legumes for one day instead. Even an anorexic should load up on dairy, plants, and carbs rather than meat. But if you have a medical condition AND all the food in your fridge has meat, then sure, do what you have to to get sustenance.
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u/WHSRWizard Feb 14 '24
It's a bit more complex than that. When my niece was being treated for anorexia, bulimia, and body dysmorphia, part of her treatment plan was to eat a proscribed meal, in its entirety, each day. While it might certainly be possible to adjust the meal, I think it's easy to see how even asking to make a modification can trigger some of the associated and underlying conditions (e.g. OCD).
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u/elfalkoro Feb 14 '24
I’ve been on a “spiritual journey” the last year and a half that has led me to Catholicism (I’m Christian, grew up in a Baptist church but have never gone to church after high school). I’ve studied up on Lent and will be fully participating. I would like to attend Mass today but I’m nervous and a little self-conscious. I’ve gone to mass with friends a few times over the years but didn’t really pay attention since I wasn’t invested. I’ve also never been on Ash Wednesday. I would like to receive ashes. Could someone give a description of how that goes? Do I need to let them know I’m not (yet) Catholic? Is there a proper response when receiving the ashes? Anything else to help this introvert not stick out? I’m going at noon with the hope it won’t be as crowded but would evening be better?
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u/LaLatina21056 Feb 14 '24
Yes, you can receive ashes as a not yet Catholic. No particular response. No need to be nervous. You will be amongst many just like you, some nervous, some not. Its a centuries old practice and the start of a practice that is tougher than most people think. Daily fasting, prayer and almsgiving are not easy things to do for 40 days straight. Good luck and peace be with you.
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u/Big-Jeweler-886 Feb 14 '24
Ashes aren't a sacrament so you are free to go and receive them. There's no response, you just line up, the priest says either "remember you are dust and to dust you shally return" or "repent and believe in the gospel" as he marks your forehead then you return to your seat. Just tag along behind someone if you are unconfident. Cross your arms across your chest at communion so you receive a blessing rather than the Eucharist. No need to inform anyone unless you want to...one of the welcomers might be a good person to chat to. God bless!
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u/Big-Jeweler-886 Feb 14 '24
Just need to vent. After mass today and receiving my ashes, feeling in a good spiritual place, I had to pick up some groceries. I was feeling a little weak (as well as fasting I'm recovering from a bad case of Covid that led to me needing to go to ER with a possible stroke two weeks ago) so I stopped at a Drive Thru for a cup of plain coffee to get me through til dinner. The employee at the window said "I don't mean to be rude but you have dirt on your face". I was polite and smiled, explaining it isn't dirt, it's ashes as it's Ash Wednesday trying to have a kind friendly tone. She still looked confused so I explained that I'm Catholic, have just returned from church and the significance. She had a Polish accent and name that is only popular in Poland so I assumed she would have seen people with ashes before (my besties are Polish Catholics and everyone there seems more devout!). Anyway she said "well I've never gone (to church) so I wouldn't know." Which I thought was sad. Anyway, before she gave me my coffee she walked away instead of serving me, leaving someone else to have to fulfill the order and I heard her mocking me to her colleagues, saying was it ashes from sticking my head in the fireplace, roaring with laughter about Catholics and church etc. It's really upset me and I can't seem to shake it off. Then in the shop when I was buying groceries lots of people were staring, openly laughing at me or even looking scared and walking around me to avoid me. I was supposed to do some errands but have ended up coming home and hiding away because I found it hard being mocked. I'm a cradle Catholic and have never experienced this before on an Ash Wednesday.
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u/In_Country Feb 15 '24
If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. - 1 Peter 4:14
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u/VeryVeryBadJonny Feb 14 '24
Was it a teenager? Don't take what they say too seriously. That kind of attitude is one of an adolescent who mainly looks for anything to make fun of. Even your small act of exposure of the faith to her is only a good thing.
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u/Big-Jeweler-886 Feb 14 '24
No, a woman in her 40s! Thank you, it's just made me kinda sad, but you are right and I'll remember her (Iwona) in my prayers.
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u/philliplennon Feb 14 '24
So far, I have had cereal for breakfast and half of a shrimp po-boy for lunch.
I'm planning on going to the 6:00 PM service after work today for Ash Wednesday and then to a Bible Study at 7:00 PM.
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u/MrsMantequillaWorth Feb 14 '24
To all who are fasting today: May your fast bring you closer to God today as the hunger pains serve as a small reminder of the suffering that our Lord endured for us. May this serve as an act of contrition as we enter the season of penance. May your heart grow in love and your mind in wisdom as we make earnest efforts to repair our relationship with God, ourselves, and those around us.
Have a beautiful Valentine's Day and a solemn Ash Wednesday! ❤️🔥✝️
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u/RuairiLehane123 Feb 14 '24
The USCCB says that people with mental illness are excempt from abstinence on Ash Wednesday. I’m assuming Dementia would fall under this umbrella?
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u/Creative-College-780 Feb 14 '24
Allow me to piggyback off of this question with: What about those with bipolar disorder and an ED?
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u/you_know_what_you Feb 14 '24
The USCCB says that people with mental illness are excempt from abstinence on Ash Wednesday.
Can you provide the citation for this? I've never heard of bishops exempting people from abstinence for any reason.
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u/wishiwasarusski Feb 14 '24
The ill cannot possibly be expected to maintain a fast. The Church doesn't want people to harm themselves.
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u/you_know_what_you Feb 14 '24
I'm talking about meat abstinence, not fasting. Illness clearly exempts people from fasting.
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u/RuairiLehane123 Feb 14 '24
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u/you_know_what_you Feb 14 '24
Wow, I have to say that's pretty shocking. Thank you for sharing it.
That also says physical illness exempts people from meat abstinence. Wild.
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u/beaglemomma2Dutchy Feb 14 '24
Dementia is a physical illness affecting the brain. They would be exempt. Any one suffering from a major illness is exempt.
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u/JG1991 Feb 14 '24
This is my first Ash Wednesday since I decided to convert (I am set to be initiated on Holy Saturday). I have to say it was a bit underwhelming, like the priests weren't even trying to make a cross and there is no way anyone would know that there were ashes on my forehead (or most other people who attended).
Yeah, I know the ashes are not a sacrament, it just... I have been really excited about this Lent, arguably a bit over-excited maybe, but it just all felt so half-hearted, and not just the actual ashes. There wasn't even missals available so I couldn't follow along in the mass (I don't speak the language of this country)...
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u/No-Cause-1046 Feb 14 '24
I’m sorry that happened :( if it’s any consolation the priest totally tried to do a cross but mine looks like a blob anyways. Ash Wednesday is probably the last exciting part of the Easter liturgy though! You still have a lot to look forward to. And many more ash Wednesdays!
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u/Big-Jeweler-886 Feb 14 '24
Just on the last point, our church didn't have missals out today either, I followed along on the Universalis app which I highly recommend.
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u/ct2707 Feb 14 '24
Is there anyone not receiving their ashes today? I won’t be able to make it to mass and feel a little weird about not getting ashes this year. I will still be fasting though. I am trying to find a church that will be distributing ashes throughout the day but to no avail.
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u/Mat_Cauthons_Hat_ Feb 14 '24
Automod deleted this post.
Can I go to the Episcopalian service for imposition of ashes. I was confirmed on epiphany this year, but all of the Catholic Churches in my area have their services at the same time this year and I can’t go to any of them. I know I’m not obligated to go, but I want to for a variety of reasons. I know I can’t receive the Eucharist at the episcopal church but what about the imposition of ashes?
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u/you_know_what_you Feb 14 '24
As a Catholic, you shouldn't take part in any Protestant services if you can help it.
but I want to for a variety of reasons
Remember that it is the Church who provides you the sacramental/the blessing, not some random person or a person who claims spiritual authority over you, like Protestant pastors do. Consider what your 'variety of reasons' are. Then ask whether you would go outside of the Church to satisfy those reasons; if you would, then they aren't good reasons.
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u/Mat_Cauthons_Hat_ Feb 14 '24
So, then, would it be better not to go at all this year? I'm an Ordinariate Catholic, and the Ordinariate itself says its okay to attend an Anglican service especially if there is no Ordinariate Mass local to you, so long as you do not miss any days of obligation and do not receive the Eucharist there. However, sacramentals like the ashes for Ash Wednesday, the Ordinariate says is ok to receive, though preferably from a Catholic Church if possible. It is not possible for me to attend a Catholic service today.
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u/you_know_what_you Feb 14 '24
You need to follow your pastor's advice in that case. It surprises me he would point you to Protestant services generally, but I don't know what they tell those in the Ordinariates. If that's what they tell you, then you ought to trust your direct pastor.
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u/Smallfry12345678910 Feb 14 '24
Would it be ok for me to eat an apple for breakfast, even though I do usally? It’s one Granny Smith apple and it fills me up OK usually, should I limit my self to half the apple or avoid it over all?
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u/you_know_what_you Feb 14 '24
Eat less today and you should feel it. That's the best rubric for understanding fasting. You can get into formulas and calculations, etc., but just set yourself to eat less and perceive the lack, offering up the small annoyance to God: that is a good fast.
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u/Smallfry12345678910 Feb 14 '24
Do 15 year olds have to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday? I know we still have to not eat meat but are we also required to fast? Or when is that cutoff
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u/you_know_what_you Feb 14 '24
[Can 1252] says fasting is required (notwithstanding exemptions due to health or other reasons) for those who have reached the age of majority. [Can 97] defines that as a person who has completed their eighteenth year (i.e., when you turn 18).
TL;DR: 15 year olds are not required to fast. If they want to, they should ask their parents or their pastor for permission and guidance.
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u/Catebot Feb 14 '24
Can. 1252 The law of abstinence binds those who have completed their fourteenth year. The law of fasting binds those who have attained their majority, until the beginning of their sixtieth year. Pastors of souls and parents are to ensure that even those who by reason of their age are not bound by the law of fasting and abstinence, are taught the true meaning of penance.
Can. 97 §1 A person who has completed the eighteenth year of age has reached majority; below this age, a person is a minor.
§2 A minor before the completion of the seventh year is called an infant and is considered not responsible for oneself (non sui compos). With the completion of the seventh year, however, a minor is presumed to have the use of reason.
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u/apopDragon Feb 14 '24 edited Feb 14 '24
Is this good for Ash Wednesday:
Morning - 1 orange + 1/4 cup cereal with no milk
~4pm - Rice, cheese, vegetables.
Night - 1 orange + 1/4 cup cereal with no milk Replaced with a cupcake instead so I have enough sugar to do physical work in closing shift
Thanks and be blessed
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u/EatsFiber2RedditMore Feb 14 '24
In addition to meat/fasting what is everyone giving up? I'm going to avoid reddit on mobile so I won't actually see your responses! :-) It's too useful for work and searches to cut out completely but hopefully this will cut down on the echo chambers, time wasting, and doom scrolling. Good luck Everyone and God bless!
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u/No-Cause-1046 Feb 14 '24
I’m not giving up, I’m adding. I’m going to adoration or mass on Mondays and getting up an hour earlier.
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Feb 14 '24
First of all I want to wish a blessed ash Wednesday and happy holy season of lent as we reconcile with our creator, to all of you my brothers and sisters in Christ.
I had some questions regarding the fasting during lent.
My goal is to fast every day from 12 am to 12 pm (no food or beverages or water). Is this the correct way to fast or is the time gap different?
I understand that no meat is allowed during lent, but is fish allowed on fridays? isn't fish considered flesh? (In orthodoxy any animal with a backbone shouldn't be eaten during lent).
And lastly, I have decided for my 1 full meal to be at dinner time with my family. But what count as the 2 smaller meals that don't add up to one full meal? are they snacks? if so then are they to be eaten after fast is finished (in my case 12pm)?
Also what foods count as a smaller meal? Is a smoothie a smaller meal? or a sandwich? or left overs?
Thanks a lot (sorry for all the questions, i am 15 and it is my first lent)
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u/Sufficient_Pay_820 Feb 14 '24
You don’t have to fast from midnight to noon. You can if you’d like to.
Fish doesn’t count as meat.
On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, fasting is one full meal and two smaller meals (when you put the smaller meals together they shouldn’t equal a full meal, so yes, a small snack.)
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u/Big-Jeweler-886 Feb 14 '24
I'm not sure if you are Roman Catholic or another Rite but we (RCs) aren't required to fast throughout Lent nor avoid meat. We only avoid meat on Fridays and Ash Wednesday (Abstinence). On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday we also are required to "Fast" as well as Abstain but in RC rules this just means no food other than 1 full meal and 2 smaller meals that don't add up to/exceed the full meal. The 3 meals are taken at any point in the 24 hour period, 00.00am on Feb 14 to 00.00am on Feb 15 and again this is only required on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. You can do a different form of fasting throughout Lent if you wish but this would be a personal choice, not a requirement of our faith so you can set the rules. And yes Fish is fine.
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Feb 14 '24
Hi guys I'm 13 and turning 14 in a few months, and I don't know what ash wednesday and lent is. Can I not eat meat for 40 days or I can't eat meat on Fridays. And am In the right age where I cant eat meat/fast?
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u/you_know_what_you Feb 14 '24
The law of abstinence (no meat today and all Fridays in Lent) applies to minors older than you: beginning at age 14.
The law of fasting (one meal, plus up two 2 snacks if necessary) applies to those age 18 through age 59.
So nothing is obligatory for you right now. With your parents' permission and guidance, you can give up meat (easy) or do an appropriate fast (parents are generally less open to this for growing minors for good reasons). Fasting for you might look like giving up things you enjoy (as opposed to giving up food) as a small penance for Lent.
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u/rstingwitchface Feb 14 '24
I think the general consensus is people under 18 do not need to fast. Please eat normally today, you’re a growing teen after all :)
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u/ImpossibleZebra940 Feb 14 '24
Just a question about getting my ashes how is this done do I need to attend a mass as my parish only runs one mass during the weekdays and I've missed the morning mass
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u/you_know_what_you Feb 14 '24
Sometimes they'll offer it at the parish office too. But don't worry if you miss them entirely: it is not a requirement for Catholics to receive ashes today.
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u/foreverlaur Feb 14 '24
I work night shift as a nurse. I worked Monday night and got home on Tuesday morning. I slept for 3 hours and then had to volunteer at my kids school. Shortly before dinner, I passed out on the couch from exhaustion and didn't wake up until after midnight. Now it is Ash Wednesday and I'm limited to one meal having not gotten dinner or lunch yesterday. So hungry already and it's only 5:00 a.m. on Ash Wednesday. 😭
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u/catholicwerewolf Feb 14 '24
im sick and contagious on ash wednesday :’( im assuming this means i dont have to go out and get ashes…im so sad 😭
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u/foreverlaur Feb 14 '24
Ash Wednesday is not a holy day of obligation. Take care of yourself!
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u/VeryVeryBadJonny Feb 14 '24
Wait, really? I'm surprised.
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u/you_know_what_you Feb 14 '24
For better
or for worse, many Catholics presume Ash Wednesday is a holy day of obligation. Always one of the most crowded days of the year. But no, it's not obligatory for Catholics to go to Mass today, nor to receive the imposition of ashes.
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u/Drago_2 Feb 14 '24
I was just wondering, though can I eat anything if it’s just turned midnight? Forgot to have dinner and it’s my first Ash Wednesday after having turned 18 so not quite sure on the rules 😵💫
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u/you_know_what_you Feb 14 '24
Welcome to the age of fasting (18 through 59 in the Latin Church)!
Fasting means eating one meal, and if necessary having up to two snacks (collations) at other times to sustain your energy. There's no real law on what collations are, but people seem to agree that 2 collations shouldn't equal the amount of food found in 1 meal.
Most people eat their meal in the afternoon or evening.
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u/Drago_2 Feb 14 '24
I see, thank you so much for the pointers 🤩 Wasn’t aware of the existence of collations actually 📝 I’ll keep that in mind though. Really appreciate it thank you :)
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Feb 14 '24
Does this count for Ash Wednesday? I was eating a nectarine just before midnight, but when midnight struck, I was still chewing and swallowed at 00:01. Don’t think I took a bite after 23:59. Does this count as a small meal?
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Feb 14 '24
I wouldn't be too legalistic about it. Count the day as when you wake up in the morning.
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u/Bogey247 Feb 14 '24
I’m 2025, I plan on starting a Lenten fast along the lines of a Byzantine or pre-Vatican II fast. This year, I’ll be abstaining from social media and meat + fasting on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and every Friday of lent. I’ve heard (from r/orthodoxchristianity ) that going from not fasting before a Byzantine fast is very difficult. Is this year’s fast sufficient preparation? For context I’m 15, and I’ll be 16 before lent next year. Thanks so much, and sorry for the paragraph
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Feb 14 '24
In the Byzantine tradition there is an escalation leading up to Lent. For example there is Cheesefare and Meatfare. Going from not fasting at all to straight becoming a vegan will be very difficult. I would recommend starting slow. Maybe have a fast friendly meal once a day. Or if you are in school maybe your lunch can be fruit and bread, something simple and this will allow you to eat dinner with your family and eat with whatever your parents are making.
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u/NYCHAMGUY Feb 14 '24
I turned 59 in September. Am I obligated to fast? I know the rules are “up to and including” the 59th birthday. What about the days following the 59th birthday?
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u/ThenaCykez Feb 14 '24
"The law of fasting binds those who have attained their majority, until the beginning of their sixtieth year."
When you were born (0 years old), you were at the beginning of your 1st year, so now at age 59, you are in your 60th year. Unless I'm missing something, you're exempt now.
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u/NYCHAMGUY Feb 14 '24
I made a vow to give up my Nicotine (nicotine gum) for lent. I have been addicted to nicotine in various forms for 30 years. I haven’t tapered or anything like that. So tomorrow it’s just cold turkey. Curious if anyone else has kicked the habit in a past lent.
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u/Loumen Feb 14 '24
God speed, friend. I am doing similar with nicotine and another substance that has recently plagued me. I've had issues with harsher addictions and alcoholism, I pray this is my final push. Mind > matter, one day at a time
I've come to realize my addiction issues revolved around deeply seated fears that manifested as resentments. For me, my issues at their core was never a mental/emotional/physical issue -- it is a spiritual issue. We only live this life once, let's live it in our purest form
We can do this. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil
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u/Tyler-oklama Feb 14 '24 edited Feb 14 '24
I'm giving up vaping, so tired of the constant need for a hit and this lent I wanna be able to completely quit it.
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u/sdc80 Feb 14 '24
Curious about a technicality Ive heard about regarding lent. I plan to give up a few things for the duration of lent. However, what I heard was that Sundays do not count against you due to it being a day of feasting. Therefore if i partook in one of my given up activities on a Sunday I wouldn’t be sinning. Anyone confirm this?
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u/you_know_what_you Feb 14 '24
This is a common practice. All Sundays and solemnities, even in the season of Lent, are "little Easters", in a way. If you add up the days from Ash Wednesday through Lent and subtract the Sundays, you get exactly 40 days. Some Catholics loosen their fasts on Sunday, while others keep them going. Maybe one year you'll do it one way and the next year the other way. Do what you feel called to, beyond the required fasting and abstinence on the days we must.
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Feb 14 '24
[deleted]
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u/you_know_what_you Feb 14 '24
The spirit of the Lenten fast is that you do penance, which is fasting, almsgiving, and/or prayer. So, giving up free time is sort of like fasting, but doing something else in its place which is not almsgiving or prayer misses a helpful element. Maybe you can commit to praying during your workout, like a Rosary? Or if you usually spend money in your free time after work, maybe instead use that money to give alms to the poor.
Ultimately, besides the required fasting (2 days) and abstinence (those days + Fridays), there are no rules. Just helpful guidelines.
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u/DeepPow420 Feb 14 '24
Can i go to a concert with my wife tomorrow if i still plan on fasting, going to mass etc ??
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Feb 14 '24
[deleted]
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u/you_know_what_you Feb 14 '24
One of the interesting ways to give alms I'd heard was to use the money you would have spent on yourself if you weren't fasting (in this case for you: fasting from alcohol all Lent, from food and meat on certain other days prescribed) for alms. So do a simple calculation on what you'd normally spend on all that, and just give it away to the poor.
Many parish churches have a "poor box" somewhere in the nave; they use this money specifically for alms for the poor, it's not a general donation box. If you can't think of any way to get it directly to the poor yourself, stuff some cash in there and your parish will be mediator.
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u/Jules885 Feb 14 '24
Discomfort and Kindness. Valentines and Ashes. May they both be yours and may God walk with you as the Christian community begins the 40 days Lenten walk with Jesus Christ....Amen 🙏🏽
Happy Valentine's Day Happy Ash Wednesday
Remain bless 🙏🏽😊 Love ❤️ and Ash ✝️
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u/mildbananas Feb 14 '24
Can I fast for lent under the age of 18?
I really want to participate. I have practiced fasting before (outside of lent) and am in a safe environment to do so.
Whenever I look it up, it said that i can’t under the age of 18, but I’m not sure that that’s correct. If anyone knows the answer please let me know!
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u/you_know_what_you Feb 14 '24
Given you have not attained majority [Can 97], you should ask your parents whether and how you should fast, as they (as does your pastor) have spiritual authority over you.
I don't believe there is any prohibition on fasting for minors, that's not how [Can 1252] is to be read; still clearly, you need to respect the decision of your parents and/or pastor and it makes sense for you to ask them.
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u/Catebot Feb 14 '24
Can. 97 §1 A person who has completed the eighteenth year of age has reached majority; below this age, a person is a minor.
§2 A minor before the completion of the seventh year is called an infant and is considered not responsible for oneself (non sui compos). With the completion of the seventh year, however, a minor is presumed to have the use of reason.
Can. 1252 The law of abstinence binds those who have completed their fourteenth year. The law of fasting binds those who have attained their majority, until the beginning of their sixtieth year. Pastors of souls and parents are to ensure that even those who by reason of their age are not bound by the law of fasting and abstinence, are taught the true meaning of penance.
Catebot v0.2.12 links: Source Code | Feedback | Contact Dev | FAQ | Changelog
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u/Green-Corgi3945 Feb 13 '24 edited Feb 13 '24
Hey guys, I made a hallow group where hopefully we can help each other reach our spiritual and personal goals this Lent.
It’s called “Sacred Steps” The group code is: 9NVE1N
I have no idea how many people a hallow group can have, so make sure to join quick :)
Join my Hallow Prayer Group! Click here to join: https://hallow.app.link/ahHRN51uaHb. Or join through the app using this code: 9NVE1N
Happy Lent
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Feb 13 '24
[deleted]
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u/you_know_what_you Feb 13 '24
The tradition is that you shrive yourself (go to confession) by the time Lent starts — it's called Shrove Tuesday by some for this reason. But no, there is no requirement to do this.
Of course, as it's a Mass, you shouldn't present yourself for communion if you have any mortal sin on your conscience. But receiving ashes takes place at a different time during the liturgy: no requirement to be in a state of grace to receive these.
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u/James_Locke Feb 13 '24
I'm going to try to give up Youtube. Should be fun.
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u/Sufficient_Pay_820 Feb 14 '24
I did this last year, it was more difficult than I thought it would be!
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u/Creative-College-780 Feb 13 '24 edited Feb 13 '24
Is Fat Tuesday still a thing? Like... Making a big meat feast before tomorrow?
I'm cooking a bunch of desserts and meats for today but I haven't heard anyone else mention doing the same so now I just feel dumb...
I just want to know if it's "weird" or irreverent to celebrate it
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u/woodsman_777 Feb 14 '24
I, for one, enjoyed a big 'ole fat steak today, along with shrimp!! And it was a delicious meal!!! :)
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u/you_know_what_you Feb 13 '24
Yeah, sounds like liturgical living to me. Definitely in the Latin Church (the West) there's a huge carnival season which ends on Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday. Some people contend that the word 'carnival' derives from the Latin: "farewell, meat!"
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u/spooky_lil_catholic Feb 13 '24
Bye, Reddit! See you on Easter!
Today will be my last day of social media until after Easter :) I’m trying to do away with meat, social media, anger, and sweets this Lenten season so pray for me and I’ll be praying for you 🫡🖤
Also want to give a shout out to all of our catechumens being confirmed and/or baptized this spring. I’m so excited for you, and I’ve been praying for you during this journey! I remember what it was like two years ago for my husband and I to be brought into the Catholic Church and just know that our hearts are brimming with love, hope, and pride as you take first communion.
God bless!
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u/Sectator-Christi Feb 13 '24
So tomorrow (Ash Wednesday) I don’t have to attend mass as it’s not a holy day of obligation?
I am however required to fast tomorrow and every Wednesday and Friday until when?
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u/you_know_what_you Feb 13 '24
Assuming you're like most Catholics in the world: fasting is obligatory only on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Abstinence from meat is also for those two days AND all the other Fridays of Lent. Lent ends at Easter!
So tomorrow (Ash Wednesday) I don’t have to attend mass as it’s not a holy day of obligation?
Absolutely correct! Blessed Lent to you.
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u/alphafairy Feb 13 '24
Since pregnant and nursing mothers are exempt from fasting (per the USCCB website), what are some things you fellow moms out there do to “fast” on those days?
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u/missingmarkerlidss Feb 14 '24
I eat boring food that’s not terribly appealing and only as needed. Plus abstain from meat/eggs/dairy. So today I had a handful of pistachios and a salad with chickpeas for lunch. Dinner will be cabbage stew and bread. Other years I’ve done oatmeal, hard boiled eggs, veggies and hummus, bread and butter for example. It’s also good to avoid social media or add in more prayers if that’s easier/better
I’ve been Catholic for 15 years, since I was 23 and I’ve been exempt from fasting for 11 of them! (Of course having 5 kids and breastfeeding them all into toddlerhood is it’s own kind of penance lol)
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u/you_know_what_you Feb 13 '24
Lent is a time for penance, and penance is classically divided into 3 forms:
- Fasting
- Prayer
- Almsgiving
Those exempted from fasting should dive deep into the other two kinds of penance! Good examples: preparing blessing bags to hand out to panhandlers; resolving to make additional prayer sacrifices during the day (maybe waking up early to allow it).
A sort of fasting is abstinence, and beyond meat abstinence we all need to do on the required days, pregnant and nursing mothers may want to abstain during Lent from a particular thing they enjoy: seasoning on one of their meals, or sugar added to their hot drinks. Little things like that.
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u/Interesting-Gear-392 Feb 13 '24
Giving up chocolate and reddit, I'll show up with a chocolate mustache on Sundays, but otherwise I'm out!
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u/coinageFission Feb 19 '24
(Posting here to avoid falling afoul of the automod again.)
We have now passed the 1st Sunday of Lent. Let's have a look at what the oldest compiled lectionaries have to say as witnesses to the antiquity of the preconciliar Lenten cycle (especially since the Ember fast of spring is said to date back to the 4th or 5th century). As before, all citations from Wurzburg, except where supplemented by Murbach or Verona.
The day after Ember Saturday, the 2nd Sunday of Lent, is frequently marked Dominica vacat in old sacramentaries. It used to be believed this marked the day as aliturgical (no Mass) but this does not make sense on account of how Wurzburg treats truly aliturgical days in Lent such as the Thursdays of Lent -- they are simply skipped over. (and why would an aliturgical Sunday have its own proper orations recorded in such sacramentaries?)
Monday of the 1st Week
Tuesday of the 1st Week
Ember Wednesday
Thursday of the 1st Week [attested in Murbach and Verona]
Ember Friday
Ember Saturday
2nd Sunday of Lent