Lenten Regulations

For this First Sunday in Lent, I thought it might be opportune to post the Lenten Regulations for the Archdiocese of Seattle published in the “Northwest Catholic Progress” this week.

I’m very encouraged that the regulations not only give the bare minimums, but also some encouragement to do more, as you are able. I have not seen the recommendation to abstain from meat on Fridays ever presented in the Archdiocese before. They are in this respect much better than in some previous years. Also, the use of the word “tradition” is wholly new.

For this penitential season, the Church draws on the wisdom of the Scriptures and tradition in suggesting a time of intense prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

Catholics in the United States are obliged to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and on all Fridays during the season of Lent. Catholics are also obliged to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Self-imposed observance of fasting on all weekdays of Lent is strongly recommended, as is abstinence from meat on all Fridays of the year.

Ash Wednesday is March 9, 2011. Good Friday is April 22, 2011.

Fasting. On a day of fasting, one full meal is allowed. Two other meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to each one’s needs, but together they should not equal the other full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted, but liquids, including milk and juices, are permitted.

Abstinence. On days of abstinence eating of meat is not allowed.

The obligation of fasting binds Catholics who are 18 – 59 years old. The obligation of abstinence applies to those 14 years and older. The law does not oblige when health or ability to work would be seriously affected.

I am grateful to Archbishop Sartain for his strong leadership in this area. Far too long have we been told by some that fasting and penitence were not important to an “Easter people”.

We’re also a Good Friday people. Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a poor sinner, and on the whole world.