Lent 2020

During Lent we have the opportunity to renew our relationships with God and each other. As Catholics, we do this primarily through three ways: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. We hope this webpage will be a resource as you explore these gifts of the Church for the next 40 days!

Lenten Activities at Newman

It can seem like a lot to take on, praying, fasting and giving alms, but it's easier when we do it together as a faith community! The health of our Newman Community is of utmost importance to us. Following Bishop Baldicchinos request, we have cancelled all Lenten events amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

What is Lent Anyways?

Lent is upon us. But have we really taken the time to ask ourselves, what is Lent? 
Busted Halo has a quick, two minute overview of Ash Wednesday & Lent. Great for those new to learning about Lent or in need of a quick review. 

Lent Fasting and Abstinence Regulations

Lent begin on Ash Wednesday, February 26, 2020. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. In addition, Fridays during lent are obligatory days of abstinence. For members of the Latin Catholic Church, the norms on fasting are obligatory from age 18 until 59. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are  not equal to a full meal. The norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding upon members of the Latin Catholic Church from ages 14 onward. If possible the fast of Good Friday is continued until the Easter Vigil (Holy Saturday night) as the "paschal fast" to honor the suffering and death of the Lord Jesus, and to prepare ourselves to share more fully and to celebrate more readily his Resurrection.

 To abstain (for all persons 14 and older) means to avoid the eating of meat (flesh of warm-blooded animals). Warm-blooded animals include beef, pork, veal and poultry. Fish are considered cold-blooded. Condiments derived from animals are not included in the abstinence. Therefore, frying in lard or using lard as a spread is considered acceptable.

To fast (for persons between the ages of 18 and 59) means to take only one principal meal during the day and two other meals, not equal in quantity (combined) to the principal meal. There should be no “snacks” between meals, although liquids may be taken. Milkshakes, etc. are considered as food rather than liquids because of the nutritional value.

If fasting or abstinence would be detrimental to a person’s health, for medical reasons or type of labor, the person should substitute some other form of penance. Children and youth not bound by the laws of fast and abstinence are encouraged to do some type of self-denial and penance appropriate to their age and understanding. Learn more about the origins and reasons for fasting with this Reflection on Lenten Fasting from the U.S. Bishops.