Lenten practices

The Diocese of Erie offers the following information regarding observation of Lent in 2024:

The season of Lent begins this year on Ash Wednesday, February 14, 2024, 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, March 28, 2024.

1. 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.

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

3. In 2024, St. Patrick’s Day (March 17 – Principal Patronal Feast Day of the Diocese of Erie) falls on the Fifth Sunday of Lent. In recognition of the importance of this day for the faithful, Bishop Persico has directed that St. Patrick be liturgically observed (at daily Mass, Divine Office, etc.) throughout the diocese on Monday, March 18, 2024.

4. 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.)