ASH WEDNESDAY – FEBRUARY 22 – Besides the morning Mass at 8:30 am there will be evening Mass at 7:00 pm with the distribution of ashes at both Masses. It marks the beginning of Lent, a season of penance, reflection, and fasting which prepares us for Christ’s Resurrection on Easter Sunday.
FAST AND ABSTINENCE FOR LENT: Ash Wednesday is a day of fasting and abstinence as is Good Friday. On those days you may not substitute acts of charity or piety in place of abstinence. Normally, Fridays of the year are days of abstinence from meat, but Catholics may substitute special acts of piety or charity. The requirement to fast binds those from 18 to 59 years of age. Abstinence (no flesh meat allowed) binds those 14 years old and up.
St. Stephen’s Parish will start the LENTEN DEVOTIONS – MASS & STATIONS OF THE CROSS – Every Friday Mass at 7:00 pm followed by Stations of the Cross.