Infographic: What is Lent?

Lent/Easter Schedule

 

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Holy Week Schedule 2025

Lent: A Season of Renewal 

We are invited to turn our hearts more fully to God through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. This is a time of renewal - a call to deepen our faith, embrace repentance, and walk more closely with Christ on His journey to the Cross. Let us enter this sacred season with open hearts, seeking God's mercy and preparing to celebrate the Joy of Easter.

According to the Code of Canon Law (can. 1249-1253) and guidelines from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, the following Lenten disciplines apply:

  • Fasting: Required on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday for Catholics aged 18 to 59, unless exempt due to illness or other serious reasons. Fasting allows one full meal and two smaller meals that together do not equal a full meal. 
  • Abstinence from meat: Required on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent for Catholics aged 14 and older. This applies unless exempt due to health concerns.
  • Eucharistic Devotion: The faithful are encouraged to receive Holy Communion frequently during Lent and, if in a state of mortal sin, must receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before doing so.
  • Easter Duty: Catholics are required to receive Holy Communion at least once during the Easter season, which extends from Easter Sunday to Pentecost (can. 920)
  • Liturgical Observances: The Gloria and Alleluia are omitted at Mass during Lent. The season concludes with the Easter Triduum, beginning the evening of Holy Thursday.

Lenten Resources online: