From the Pastor’s Desk: Holy Week & Fasting

As we begin Holy Week, we are acutely aware that these days prior to Easter are most sacred in the anticipation of the principal Christian Feast of the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus.

Please note the liturgies scheduled for next weekend:

Just as a reminder, Good Friday is a day of universal fast and abstinence from meat. This penitential practice applies to all Catholics between the ages of 18 to 59; it restricts eating to only one full, meatless meal. However, some food can be taken at the other regular meal times if necessary, but the combined amount of food taken at normal meal times should be less than a full meal. Liquids and medicines are always permitted during fasting.

It is recommended, for those who are physically able, that the Good Friday fast and abstinence would continue through Holy Saturday concluding at the Easter Vigil. This is to honor the suffering and death of the Lord Jesus and heighten the celebrations of Easter Sunday. Those that are excused from fast and abstinence would be persons outside the age limits (those under the age of 18 or over the age of 59) and anyone with an illness, including individuals suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes. Also excluded are pregnant or nursing women. In all cases, common sense should prevail, no one should jeopardize their health by fasting.