Feb. 14, 2023 –
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, the season of preparation for the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday. The distribution of ashes reminds us of our own sinfulness and mortality, and calls us to repentance.
Ash Wednesday Masses
Ash Wednesday Masses will be held at both St. Jane Frances de Chantal and Our Lady of the Chesapeake on Feb. 14, 2023 at 8:30am and 7:00pm.
Abstinence and Fasting
The Church emphasizes the penitential nature of Ash Wednesday by calling us to fast and abstain from meat (beef, pork, chicken, lamb, etc.). Catholics who are over the age of 18 and under the age of 60 in good health are required to fast, which means that they can eat only one complete meal and two smaller ones during the day, with no food in between. Catholics who are over the age of 14 are required to refrain from eating any meat, or any food made with meat, on Ash Wednesday and Fridays throughout Lent.
For more information on Abstinence and Fasting, check out:
https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-year/lent/catholic-information-on-lenten-fast-and-abstinence.cfm