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Lent begins on ash wednesday, feb. 6

Each year the Lord Jesus calls the entire Church to a special season of penance and renewal. As we begin this holy time of Lent, we should reflect on our need for conversion of heart, prayer, charitable works and penance.

The season of Lent extends this year from Ash Wednesday, Feb. 6, to the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, March 20, inclusive.

1. Everyone 14 years of age or over is bound to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and all Fridays of Lent.

2. Everyone 18 years of age and under 59 years of age is also bound to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

3. On these two days of fast and abstinence, only one full meatless meal is allowed. The other meatless meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to one’s needs, but altogether they should not equal another full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted on these two days, but liquids, including milk and fruit juices are allowed. When health or ability to work would be seriously affected, the obligation of the law is modified.

Because Lent is a special season for all Christians, we should not lightly excuse ourselves from these penitential practices.
4. To completely disregard the law of fast and abstinence is seriously sinful.

Holy Saturday: The Easter Vigil: The first Mass of Easter, the Easter Vigil, falls between nightfall of Holy Saturday, March 22 and daybreak of Easter Sunday, March 23. The General Norms for the Liturgical Year and the Calendar, no. 21, states:

The Easter Vigil, during the holy night when Christ rose from the dead, ranks as the “mother of all vigils.” Keeping watch, the Church awaits Christ’s resurrection and celebrates it in the sacraments. Accordingly, the entire celebration of this vigil should take place at night, that is, it should either begin after nightfall or end before the dawn of Sunday.
There are two ways to answer the question “How early can a parish start the Easter Vigil?” In 2008, sunset in Central Daylight Time begins at 7:08 in Flora, at 7:11 p.m. in Cairo and at 7:14 p.m. in Belleville. Nightfall, or the end of civil twilight in Central Daylight Time begins at 7:35 p.m. in Flora, at 7:37 p.m. in Cairo, and at 7:41 p.m. in Belleville.

The former is a generous interpretation of the law, the latter, however, is more appropriate since this vigil “should begin after nightfall.” The vigil may begin later. It must conclude before dawn.