Ash Wednesday, marks the beginning of Lent. Lent is a season in which the faithful are called to reflect on the Paschal Mystery more intently.  It is a time of spiritual renewal and to examine one’s relationship with God and others more carefully.  It is also a time in which catechumens prepare to receive the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil.  The Church calls everyone, therefore, to a spirit of penance through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

1. FASTING AND ABSTINENCE. In order foster a spirit of repentance and unite ourselves more closely to Christ, Church law requires the observance of Abstinence and Fasting during Lent. 
   1. Abstinence: All persons, 14 years and older, are obliged to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent. Other forms of abstinence, including abstinence from alcoholic beverages, television, video games, the internet and social media, are also beneficial.
   2. Fasting: Everyone from ages 18 to 59 is obliged to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Fasting is understood to mean that one full meal may be eaten. Two other small meals may be eaten, but together they should not equal a full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted. When health or ability to work would be seriously affected, neither the law of fasting nor the law of abstinence obliges. If in doubt, one’s parish priest or confessor should be consulted.
2. PRAYER. Catholics are urged to read and pray with sacred Scripture more intently during Lent, and to deepen their faith by reading the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The faithful are encouraged to participate in special devotions offered by the parish, especially parish penance services and Eucharistic adoration. 
   1. Sacrament Reconciliation: Lent is a privileged time for celebrating the Sacrament of Penance. The faithful are obliged to confess their sins at least once a year (CIC 989).
   2. Lenten Mass Schedule: The faithful are urged to attend Mass on weekdays as often as possible, especially during Lent.
   3. Stations of the Cross: To be celebrated on Fridays during Lent and parishioners are encouraged to participate.
   4. Easter Vigil: April 16 this year. 5. Easter Duty: All Catholics who have been initiated into the Holy Eucharist are bound to receive Holy Communion worthily at least once during the Easter Season. In the United States, the Easter duty may be fulfilled through Trinity Sunday. Catholics are encouraged to receive Communion as often as possible, not only during Eastertide, but throughout the year. However, “Anyone conscious of a grave sin must receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before coming to Communion.” (Catechism, no. 1385)
3. ALMSGIVING. From earliest times, giving to the poor, or almsgiving, has been an invaluable spiritual practice, a religious duty, a form of penance, an expression of Christian charity, and an aid to interior conversion. Therefore, all Catholics are urged to give generously to assist the poor and support the Church’s charitable works, especially through their local parish and the Annual Catholic Appeal. The faithful are also encouraged to visit the sick, the homebound, the aged, and those in prison, remembering the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, who said, “As you did it to one of the least of these, my brethren, you did it too.” (Matthew 25:40). Fasting and abstinence together with almsgiving and charitable works unites us to the crucified Christ reflected in the image of our brothers and sisters who suffer.