This week we celebrated Ash Wednesday, and the beginning of the season of Lent. Ash Wednesday is a day of fast and abstinence. In the past, rules about fasting and abstinence in the Church were clear and very well known. Nowadays they are often not as well known as they used to be. Are we … Continue reading 26/2/11 – Fasting and Abstinence
Category: Lent
This Wednesday the Church enters once again into the season of Lent. During the season of Lent, the catechumens (those preparing to belong to the Church) enter into the final period of purification and enlightenment. The journey of these elect during Lent is marked by more intense spiritual preparation, interior reflection and penance. For those … Continue reading 19/2/12 – Lent and the Apostle’s Creed
The season of Lent will begin in just over three weeks. Despite it not being a holy day obligation, many Catholics take time to participate in the liturgical celebrations of Ash Wednesday, the first day of the season. As its name suggests, ashes are a symbol synonymous with this day. On Ash Wednesday, we are … Continue reading 29/1/12 – Palms and Ashes
Today at Mass, we hear the parable of the Prodigal Son, or perhaps (depending on the perspective from which you approach this scripture passage) the Forgiving Father. This parable, along with other readings we hear during this season in Year C, make connections with the Lenten theme of Penance and Reconciliation. For many of us, … Continue reading 14/3/10 – Exploring the Sacrament of Penance
We've now reached the Fourth Sunday of Lent. Traditionally, this has been called Laetare Sunday. In some places, rose coloured vestments are worn. The liturgical documents also allow for greater use of the organ on this day than on the other Sundays of Lent. The reason for this is because Laetare Sunday is a day … Continue reading 22/3/09 – Easter is Coming
Liturgy 