LENTEN Regulations &

LENTEN Liturgical Notes for 2024

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GUIDELINES FOR FAST AND ABSTINENCE
Lenten fast and abstinence regulations for the Diocese of Worcester are as follows:
Abstinence from meat is to be observed by all Catholics fourteen (14) years of age and older on Ash
Wednesday, Good Friday and all the Fridays of Lent.
Fasting is to be observed by all Catholics who are eighteen (18) years of age but not yet fifty-nine (59)
years of age on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
Those who are bound to fast may take only one full meal. Two smaller meals are permitted if necessary
to maintain strength according to one's needs, but eating solid foods between meals is not permitted.
Catholics should not lightly excuse themselves from these prescribed Lenten penitential practices.

ASH WEDNESDAY
The Order for the Blessing and Distribution of Ashes normally takes place during the celebration of
Mass. However, when circumstances require, the blessing and distribution of ashes may take place
outside of Mass and must always include a celebration of the Liturgy of the Word and blessing of the
ashes (as described in the Romal Missal for Ash Wednesday or in the Book of Blessings). Ashes may
not be distributed apart from one of these liturgical services. Extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist
and other lay persons may assist in the imposition of ashes when there is a true pastoral need.

RITE OF ELECTION
The Rite of Election of Catechumens and Call to Continuing Conversion of Candidates will be
celebrated on Sunday, February 18 at 3:00 P.M. in Saint Paul's Cathedral . This celebration is among
the mandatory rites of adult initiation, as the Bishop is the one who calls these catechumens and
candidates in the name of the Church to Easter sacraments. Online registration is available :until February 5th.

LENTEN RITES FOR CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS
The Scrutinies are to be celebrated for the elect who will be initiated at the Easter Vigil. These rites are
not optional and are preferably celebrated on the 3rd , 4th and 5th Sundays of Lent respectively
using the readings from Cycle A . The bishop may dispense a candidate, for serious reason, from one
of the scrutinies, or at most two in extraordinary circumstances. Presentations of the Creed and the
Lord's Prayer take place during the 3rd and 5th weeks of Lent . The celebration of the Optional Rites
for Holy Saturday morning are also encouraged.

For detailed information on these rites refer to Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (paragraphs 157 -
205) and also to our diocesan guidelines, Journey in Faith (paragraphs 40 - 43).