09/02/2026
SEASON OF LENT
The liturgical season of Lent begins this year on February 18, 2026. Penitential time marked by prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Lent is the yearly celebration by the Church of its corporate conversion in Jesus Christ. During Lent, the Liturgy prepares catechumens to celebrate the Paschal Mystery by the various stages of Christian Initiation. It also prepares the faithful for Easter as they recall their Baptism and do penance in preparation for the greatest Feast of the year. Lent prepares us for Baptism and emphasizes a spirit of penance. Through forty days of closer attention to God’s word and of more fervent prayer, believers are prepared to celebrate the Paschal Mystery. Lenten instructions stress these baptismal and penitential themes. It is important to know that the social consequences of sin as well as the fact that the heart of the virtue of penance is hatred of sin as an offence against God. We are encouraged to pray and do the external and social penitential practices such as, religious practices of daily Mass; the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation; the Stations of the Cross; works of charity and justice; and acts of self-denial are highly encouraged.
The following are guidelines of Lenten observance for the faithful of the Diocese of Saint John:
- Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence. Fasting binds all persons from 18 to 59 years, unless prevented by poor health. On days of fast, one full meal is allowed. Two other meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to one’s own needs. There should be no eating between meals although fluids may be taken. Abstinence from meat binds all persons who are 14 and older, unless prevented by poor health.
- There should be no consumption of meat on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday: The Universal Law of the Church mandates these observances for the spiritual well-being of the faithful.
- Removing Holy Water from fonts during the season of Lent is not permitted (CDF Prot. N. 569/00/L March 14, 2000).
- The covering of crosses and images from the Fifth Sunday of Lent may be observed. It is appropriate to use the Apostles’ Creed during the Lenten and Easter seasons so as to be in solidarity with the catechumens.
Please note that the Easter Vigil celebration this year should not begin before 8:00 p.m.
We invite all parishioners to join us for Ash Wednesday Mass on February 18th
• St. Dunstan at 6:30 PM
• Sts. John & Paul at 6:30 PM
• St. Columba at 12:00 PM
Let us enter this season with open hearts, seeking conversion and renewal.
