ARCHDIOCESAN LENTEN REGULATIONS
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3:16-17)
The Church has always helped us fulfill these words of Jesus by prescribing very definite penance for all Catholics, so that we too might have Eternal life. Accordingly, the Pope and the American Bishops have outlined obligatory fast and abstinence as follows:
Ash Wednesday (March 2, 2022), all Fridays of Lent and Good Friday (April 15, 2022) are days of abstinence (refraining from meat) for all Catholics from age 14 onwards. On these two days, fast, as well as abstinence, is also obligatory for those from the ages of 18-59. Abstinence means refraining from meat. Fast means one full meal a day, with two smaller meals and nothing between meals (liquids are permitted). No Catholic will lightly excuse himself or herself from this obligation.
We should strive to make all days of Lent a time of prayer and penance. Following are several resources that can aid in finding different forms of prayer and penance.
ARCHDIOCESAN LENTEN RESOURCES
There are many excellent resources for the Season of Lent you might wish to use or share with your parishioners.
Following are also a list of some resources available for Lent this year:
Lent is a season of reflection, penance, fasting, and service. May the Lord strengthen you as you continue to share this message with your parishioners. Be assured of my prayers for both you and the people in your parish throughout this Lenten Season. Together we can make “All Things New” and grow in greater communion as the Body of Christ.
Most Reverend Mitchell T. Rozanski
Archbishop of St. Louis