Understanding Lent

The Lenten Season: FAQs

Q. So does that mean that when we give something up for Lent, such as candy, we can have it on Sundays?

A.  Apart from the prescribed days of fast and abstinence on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and the days of abstinence every Friday of Lent, Catholics have traditionally chosen additional penitential practices for the whole Time of Lent.  These practices are disciplinary in nature and often more effective if they are continuous, i.e., kept on Sundays as well.  That being said, such practices are not regulated by the Church, but by individual conscience.

Q.  I understand that all the Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence from meat, but I'm not sure what is classified as meat.  Does meat include chicken and dairy products?

A.  Abstinence laws consider that meat comes only from animals such as chickens, cows, sheep or pigs --- all of which live on land. Birds are also considered meat. Abstinence does not include meat juices and liquid foods made from meat.  Thus, such foods as chicken broth, consomme, soups cooked or flavored with meat, meat gravies or sauces, as well as seasonings or condiments made from animal fat are technically not forbidden.  However, moral theologians have traditionally taught that we should abstain from all animal-derived products (except foods such as gelatin, butter, cheese and eggs, which do not have any meat taste).  Fish are a different category of animal.  Salt and freshwater species of fish, amphibians, reptiles, (cold-blooded animals) and shellfish are permitted.

Q.  I've noticed that restaurants and grocery stores advertise specials on expensive types of fish and seafood on Fridays during Lent.  Some of my Catholic friends take advantage of these deals, but somehow I don't feel right treating myself to the lobster special on Fridays during Lent.

A.  While fish, lobster and other shellfish are not considered meat and can be consumed on days of abstinence, indulging in the lavish buffet at your favorite seafood place sort of misses the point.  Abstaining from meat and other indulgences during Lent is a penitential practice.  On the Fridays of Lent, we remember the sacrifice of Christ on Good Friday and unite ourselves with that sacrifice through abstinence and prayer.

Q.  I understand that Catholics ages 18 to 59 should fast on Ash Wednesday and on Good Friday, but what exactly are the rules for these fasts?

A.  Fasting on these days means we can have only one full, meatless meal.  Some food can be taken at the other regular meal times if necessary, but combined they should be less than a full meal.  Liquids are allowed at any time, but no solid food should be consumed between meals.

Q.  Are there exemptions other than for age from the requirement to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday?

A.  Those that are excused from fast and abstinence outside the age limits include the physically or mentally ill including individuals suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes.  Also excluded are pregnant or nursing women.  In all cases, common sense should prevail, and ill persons should not further jeopardize their health by fasting.

Stations of the Cross

Ash Wednesday Schedule

JUST IN: There is a correction. There will be no Holy Mass at 6PM in St. Jude's Chapel, Mt. D'or. Instead, there will be a Eucharistic Service at 6PM in St. Jude's Chapel.
Also, there will be an 11AM Mass (With the Distribution of Ashes) for the St. Joseph College in St. Joseph R.C. Church.

Sorry for the Inconvenience caused.

Is God Calling You!?

A New Addition to the Local Church!

Congratulations and All God's Blessings to Fr. Matthew Ragbir who was ordained to the Priesthood yesterday (January 30th) at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. May God Bless him in his ministry to spread the message of Christ.

New Year, New Projects!

Welcome to 2016 Church! This is going to be a great year because God's mercy is flowing through like an ocean into our hearts, let us not allow it to pass us straight!

As we approach a new year for the parish, there will be some moments to look forward to such as the Close of the Bicentennial Year, The Launch of the Bicentennial Book, The Celebration of our Patronal Feast, St. Joseph and  an Evening with The Lydians to name a few. 

This is also a year which we will be promoting the Spirit of Stewardship in the Parish so we hope that you will be generous in your time, talent and treasure to help build and strengthen the Church of God.

During this year, we will also launch our very own Parish Website so that communication within and even beyond the parish can be modified and improved because we realize that we live in a very 'social' world. 

Once more, please extend your support to us because it is through your support and with God's grace that we can see our way through. God Bless!

Brent Durham,

Parish Communications Officer