Lent & Easter
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“Grant, O Lord, that we may begin with holy fasting this campaign of Christian service, so that, as we take up battle against spiritual evils, we may be armed with weapons of self-restraint. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.” - Ash Wednesday Collect
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What is Lent?
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Lent is a 40 day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday. It's a period of preparation to celebrate the Lord's Resurrection at Easter. During Lent, we seek the Lord in prayer by reading Sacred Scripture; we serve by giving alms; and we practice self-control through fasting. We are called not only to abstain from luxuries during Lent, but to a true inner conversion of heart as we seek to follow Christ's will more faithfully. We recall the waters of baptism in which we were also baptized into Christ's death, died to sin and evil, and began new life in Christ. Read more here...
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2025 Important Lenten Dates:
March 5: Ash Wednesday
March 7: First Friday Mass, Fish Dinner, and Eucharistic Adoration.
March 8: English Lenten Mission
March 9: Spanish & Vietnamese Lenten Mission
March 15: Caritas Day
March 18: Candlelight Adoration
April 3: First Friday
April 6: Family Connect Sunday
April 11: Youth Led Stations of the Cross, Fish Dinner, and Organ Recital
April 13: Palm Sunday
April 17: Holy Thursday
April 18: Good Friday
April 19: Holy Saturday
April 20: Easter Sunday
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Triduum at the Co-Cathedral
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Frequently Asked Questions:
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Those older than 14 are obligated to abstain on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent. Abstinence forbids the eating of meat or poultry. Those who are not specifically obliged to abstain from eating meat are urged to join in the discipline of abstaining to the extent that they are able.
Those between the ages of 14-59 are obligated to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Fasting means only one full meal a day may be taken. Two smaller meals may be eaten to maintain physical strength but together they should not equal another full meal in quantity. Snacking between meals is not permitted.
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Pray: While talking with God is a practice Catholics and all Christians should conduct regularly no matter what point in the year, Lent presents us with an especially meaningful time to connect with our Lord and nurture our bond.
Fast: As Jesus fasted in the desert for forty days, we, too, are called to forgo something for the same period when observing Lent. It is during this time we can deepen our awareness of his sacrifice on the Cross, as well as Jesus’ daily forgiveness of our sins and unconditional love for us.
Give: Stressing the importance of recognizing those in need while demonstrating the model of selflessness that Jesus embodied on earth, Lent offers us an opportunity to further concentrate on displaying acts of charity within our communities.
Read more about Lent 101 from Ascension
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