Lenten Regulations

The word Lent comes from the Anglo-Saxon word, lengten, which means spring, and it is a time of preparation for the resurrection of Jesus. It begins on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17, and concludes before the evening Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday. It is a time to concentrate on prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Pope Benedict XVI once described Lent this way: "Each year, Lent offers us a providential opportunity to deepen the meaning and value of our Christian lives, and it stimulates us to rediscover the mercy of God so that we, in turn, become more merciful toward our brothers and sisters."
The following are Lenten regulations, in English and Spanish, to help Catholics in their spiritual journey:
Those 14 years or older are to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and all the Fridays of Lent. Everyone older than 18 and under 59 are to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. On these two days of fast and abstinence, only one full meatless meal is allowed. Two other meatless meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to each one's needs, but together 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, these regulations do not oblige. All the faithful are also strongly urged to perform works of charity and mercy and to follow a program of voluntary self-denial and serious prayer.

Things to do

Creating a joy-filled marriage: A seminar on a program developed by Christopher West for married couples of all ages. It is designed to give people an understanding of God's plan for humanity based on Pope John Paul II's teachings on the Theology of the Body. March 20, 8:30 a.m. to12:30 p.m. (Doors open at 8 a.m.) Wentz Concert Hall, North Central College, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. Speaker: Damon Owens from the Theology of the Body Institute. $30, which includes drinks and light refreshments. For more information and to register, go to imetevents.org or e-mail imet.events@sbcglobal.net.

Rachel's Vineyard Retreat: Post-abortive women and men are encouraged to attend the Rachel's Vineyard weekend retreats held at the St. Charles Borromeo Pastoral Center in Romeoville. The next scheduled retreat will begin Feb. 5 at 6 p.m. and continue through the early afternoon of Feb. 7. Contact Kay at (866) 994-4483 for additional information. Registration brochures are available at dioceseofjoliet.org/jobinserts/2009-12/RachelVineyard.pdf.

World Day for Consecrated Life: The diocese will celebrate this day on Feb. 6 at 5 pm. at the Cathedral of St. Raymond in Joliet during the Sunday vigil Mass. Bishop Peter Sartain will preside at the Mass. Lay people are invited to pray for vocations to the religious life and to offer gratitude for those in the religious life. For more information, contact Sister Theresa Galvan at (815) 838-8100.