Ash Wednesday

As the turncoat in the family I am not overly disappointed if I miss mass tonight. I have went for most of the years since I got serious with Marta and it is very important to her that she and the kids go. That is fine with me and I do intend to try and make it. I have how ever some work to do that takes priority, the option being a longer fast than necessary.

Ash Wednesday mark the beginning of lent and with that we in the Berg family can't eat meat on Friday's, just fish. Marta is very strict about this. The Catholic church here compared to the one in Spain is very different in my opinion, it is easier and makes more sense in Spain.

I tried to tell her that after mass we could go to Two Guys Burgers and Fries, but she doesn't think so, she would check with her mom if this is allowed. We will just whip together some fish at the house I suppose.

Statements below is from our church, Christ Our King

Lent is the period before Easter. It covers the 40 days before Easter, not counting Sundays. The dating of Easter determines that of Lent. The earliest Lent can begin is February 4 and the latest it can end is April 24. The origin of the word Lent originally meant the season of Spring. Whereas Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus after His death on the Cross, Lent is concerned with preparation for Holy Week, which recalls the events leading up to and including Christ's crucifixion.

Lenten Regulations

Each year the hold season of Lent provides us a special time of grace and spiritual renewal so that we may become better instruments in sharing the gospel message. The present laws of the Church regarding fast and abstinence during the Season of Lent are as follows:

1. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast. On days of fast, one full meal is allowed. Two lesser meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to each person's needs, but together they should not equal another full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted. Catholics who have completed their 18th year are bound by this law until the beginning of their 60th year.
2. Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent are also days of abstinence. On days of abstinence, meats should not be taken at any meal. The law of abstinence binds all Catholics who have completed their 14th year.

The Obligation to observe, as a whole or "substantially", the penitential days specified by the Church is a serious obligation. The New Code of Canon Law states: "on these days (of Penance), the faithful are in a special manner to devote themselves, by fulfilling their obligations more faithfully and especially by observing the fast and abstinence..."

May this Holy Lenten season provide us an opportunity for deepening our faith, hope, and love through a life of deeper prayer, penitential practices, and works of charity.