Lenten practices

The Diocese of Erie offers the following information regarding observation of Lent in 2025:

The season of Lent begins this year on Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2025, and concludes when the Paschal Triduum of the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of the Lord begins at the start of the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, April 17, 2025.

Traditional Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, and other forms of self-denial, are recommended most warmly by the church. Daily Mass is particularly encouraged.

Ash Wednesday, all Fridays in Lent, and Good Friday are days of abstinence from eating meat for those 14 years of age and older.

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday also are days of fasting for those ages 18 to 58 inclusive. (On these days, those bound by the law of fasting may take one full meal. Two smaller meals, sufficient to maintain strength according to one’s needs, are also permitted. Eating between meals is not permitted, but liquids including milk and fruit juices are allowed. When health or work is seriously affected, the law does not oblige.)