As Catholics, we voluntarily perform a daily or weekly self-penance during Lent, as a way to unite ourselves to Christ’s Passion and Death for us. Ash Wednesday is a Penitential Day of Abstinence and Fasting. The days of abstaining from meat are Ash Wednesday and every Friday during Lent; the days for fasting are Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. The Church still teaches that every Friday during the year is a day of penance; however, each Catholic can choose his/her own act of penance, such as a prayer, fasting, almsgiving, abstaining from some unnecessary good, doing an act of charity, etc. Following are the Norms for Abstinence and Fasting that Catholics are to practice, according to the 1983 Code of Canon Law.
1) Abstinence means no eating of meat, but eggs, milk products, fish and all cold-blooded animals may be eaten. Fasting means that only one full meal may be taken during the day, and two light meals are also permitted; solid food between meals is prohibited, but liquids may be taken at any time (see Canon 1251 and commentary).
2) The law of abstinence binds those who are 14 years old until death (there is no upper age for this law). However, the law of fasting binds those who are 18 years old until midnight of their 59th birthday (see Canon 1252 and commentary).
Tues. March 8th, 5:00-6:00 p.m. at Nativity
Wed. March 16th, 5:00-8:00 p.m. at ALL Parishes
Tues. March 22nd, 5:00-6:00 p.m. at Queen of Heaven
Tues. March 29th, 5:00-6:00 p.m. at St. Paul
Tues. April 5th, 5:00-6:00 p.m. at St. Francis de Sales
VESPERS AND BENEDICTION - Thursdays at 6:30 PM. Come join us in the church for the praying of Evening Prayer within the Liturgy of the Hours and Eucharistic Exposition, concluding with the Rite of Eucharistic Benediction.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS - Fridays at 6:30 PM. Come join us in the church for the traditional meditation of Jesus lovingly enduring His Passion and Death for our salvation.
RESOURCE PAGE of the Cleveland Diocese is filled with prayers, reflections, activity ideas, for families and individuals to deepen your Lenten Season as we prepare for the Mystery of Easter.
FREE RESOURCES for Lent You Will Love (Sadlier) - To assist in inspirational and practical spiritual practices of prayer, penance, and almsgiving. May be used as an individual, family, or with a group of students.
LENT AT HOME: Activities for Busy Catholic Families (Loyola Press) - Lent is a holy season to be lived and practiced at home. Here are practical ideas for households of any age.
IDEAS FOR CELEBRATING LENT at home or with your parish or school class. Activities include preparing for forgiveness, burying the alleluia, and taking care of the poor. (RCL Benziger)
THE HOLY LAND: A Virtual Pilgrimage - University of Notre Dame – Faith ND
THE FORMATION5 FAMILY FAITH IN 5 MINUTES is a short, daily email for Catholic parents with saints, Scripture, and prayers to form whole families in the Catholic Faith. This daily email gives parents a way to share that faith in just a few minutes each day. Powered by Jared Dees from The Religion Teacher.
VESPERS AND BENEDICTION - Thursdays at 6:30 PM. Come join us in the church for the praying of Evening Prayer within the Liturgy of the Hours and Eucharistic Exposition, concluding with the Rite of Eucharistic Benediction.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS - Fridays at 6:30 PM. Come join us in the church for the traditional meditation of Jesus lovingly enduring His Passion and Death for our salvation.
BEST LENT EVER by Dynamic Catholic - Sign up for daily emails to help you on your journey.
FORMED DAILY LENTEN REFLECTIONS - Free with your free subscription.
THE SEARCH is a multi-part video-based spiritual experience. Catholic evangelist Chris Stefanick hosts and small virtual groups will discuss, benefit and grow from experiencing The Search. Geared for those anywhere in their faith journey. Sing up here for a virtual group,
RESOURCE PAGE of the Cleveland Diocese is filled with prayers, reflections, activity ideas, for families and individuals to deepen your Lenten Season as we prepare for the Mystery of Easter.
STEADFAST: A CALL TO LOVE will be delivered to your inbox each morning by Ignatian Solidarity Network
WHAT TO GIVE UP FOR LENT?: 25 Creative Ways
ST. MARY'S PRESS - Offers a variety of downloadable print and digital resources on the holy season of Lent.
AVE MARIA PRESS - Offers complimentary resources for young people and those who minister with them.
ASH WEDNESDAY
RESOURCE PAGE of the Cleveland Diocese is filled with prayers, reflections, activity ideas, for families and individuals to deepen your Lenten Season as we prepare for the Mystery of Easter.
HELPING CHILDREN WITH LENT (Loyola) - This brief article speaks to helping children enter into Lent.
5 EASY ACTIVITIES FOR A LENTEN RETREAT FOR KIDS (Our Sunday Visitor)
JOY IN A TIME OF PENANCE - Explore the meaning of penance through St. Patrick’s Day.
LITURGICAL CALENDAR - Downloadable children’s calendar for the Liturgical year.
COMPLIMENTARY CATHOLIC COLORING PAGES for children.
DRAWING GOD: Stations of the Cross - Designed for children to learn and pray the stations.
CATHOLIC KIDS MEDIA
ACT OF CONTRITION: Guided Prayer and Meditation
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
SOAP CRAFT: a reflection on forgiveness