Masses

MASS TIMES Weekdays 8:30 a.m. (rosary is recited before Mass) Saturdays 8:30 a.m.; 5:00 p.m. (Sunday Vigil); Sundays 7:00 a.m.; 9:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m.; 5:00 p.m. Holy Days Please see this weeks Sunday Bulletin Rosary 10:30 a.m. on first Thursday of the month in Barry Hall

PENITENTIAL DAYS

Ash Wednesday — This day marks the beginning of the Lenten season. The imposition of ashes is an ancient penitential practice symbolizing our dependence upon God's mercy and forgiveness. Ash Wednesday is a day of fast and abstinence in the Church.

Good Friday — Christ suffered and died for our salvation on Friday. On the Friday that we call "Good," the Church gathers to commemorate Jesus' Passion and death. Good Friday is a day of fast and abstinence. The Good Friday fast is the Paschal fast — a fast of anticipation and longing for the Passover of the Lord, which should continue, when possible, through Holy Saturday.

Fridays During Lent — In the United States, the tradition of abstaining from meat on each Friday during Lent is maintained.

Fridays Throughout the Year — In memory of Christ's suffering and death, the Church prescribes making each Friday throughout the year a penitential day. All of us are urged to prepare appropriately for that weekly Easter that comes with each Sunday.

DEFINITIONS:

Fasting — By refraining from eating, we signify our oneness with the Lord, acknowledge our need for conversion, and give witness to our solidarity with those less fortunate. Catholics who are 18 years and older and in good health are bound until their fifty-ninth birthday by the obligation to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Fasting is the taking of 2 small meals and one full meal a day per day (no snacks).

Abstinence — In the United States, this penitential practice consists of refraining from the consumption of meat. The Latin Church's requirement of abstinence binds Catholics after they have celebrated their fourteenth birthday, and it is practiced on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and the Fridays during Lent. Pastors and parents are encouraged to see that children who are not bound by the obligation to fast and abstain are led to appreciate an authentic sense of penance.