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Lent

What is Lent?

As Jesus fasted 40 days in the desert, the Church traditionally fasts during Lent. A form of bodily prayer, fasting and abstinence, in union with other Christians, reminds us of our utter dependence on and love for God. A gesture of repentance, fasting is symbolic of a change of heart as we turn away from sin to live in fidelity to the Gospel.

Lenten Regulations

Ash Wednesday, February 13, and Good Friday, April 5, are days of fast and abstinence. The other Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence only. All other days of Lent should be marked by acts of penance and charity.

Fasting is defined as one full meal and two smaller meals, with nothing in between, for those aged 18 – 59. Water and medication are permitted.

Abstinence is not eating meat, for those aged 14 and older.

For those who are sick or infirm, the law does not oblige, but Catholics should not lightly hold themselves excused.

40 Ways to Live 40 Days

Join us as we celebrate the 40 days of Lent in this Year of Participation by doing one or more of these 40 ways to participate in St. Peter Parish life! 

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Lenten Resources

Online Resources
Visit these websites for information and resources that will guide you through your Lenten journey.
www.catholic.org/clife/lent/ 
www.ewtn.com/faith/lent
www.osv.com/YourGuideToACatholicLent/tabid/8267/default.aspx 
Follow St. Peter on Pinterest!
Follow St. Peter's Lent Pinterest Board for Lenten prayers, activities, meatless recipes and other resources that will guide you in your Lenten journey.  
Prayer for A Different Kind of Fasting

A Lenten Prayer

Fast from judging others; feast on the Christ indwelling in them.
Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on the unity of all life.
Fast from apparent darkness; feast on the reality of light.
Fast from words that pollute; feast on phrases that purify.
Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.
Fast from anger; feast on patience.
Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism.
Fast from worry; feast on trust.
Fast from complaining; feast on appreciation.
Fast from negatives; feast on affirmatives.
Fast from unrelenting pressures; feast on unceasing prayer.
Fast from hostility; feast on nonviolence.
Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness.
Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others.
Fast from personal anxiety; feast on eternal truth.
Fast from discouragement; feast on hope.
Fast from facts that depress; feast on truths that uplift.
Fast from lethargy; feast on enthusiasm.
Fast from suspicioun; feast on truth.
Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast on promises that inspire.
Fast from idle gossip; feast on purposeful silence.
Gentle God, during this season of fasting and feasting,
gift us with your presence, so we can be a gift to others in carrying out your work.

Amen. 

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