Lent Regulations

Lent is a season of grace to help both catechumens (those preparing for baptism) and the faithful to enter more deeply into the paschal mystery. In this season we are called to conversion, a renewed sense of our frailty or sinfulness, as well as profound trust in the new life that flows from the death and resurrection of Christ. The faithful, ever more attentive to the word of God and prayer, prepare themselves by fasting, prayer, and almsgiving.

According to universal Church discipline, all members of the Catholic faithful are bound to acts of penance. In order that the faithful join in a more common observance of penance, penitential days are prescribed for praying, exercising works of charity, and engaging in acts of self-discipline and denial.

The season of Lent affords us a 40-day retreat to participate in a journey toward rebirth. The holy season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday (Feb. 18) and ends as the celebration of the Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday/Easter Sunday) begins during Holy Week.

1. The season of Lent is to be observed by Catholics as a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. 
2. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, in particular, are the most important penitential days for the liturgical year. They are both days of fasting. Those who are over 18 years of age and under 60 years of age are bound to fast on Ash Wednesday (Feb. 18) and Good Friday (Apr. 3).

On these two days, only one full meatless meal is allowed. Two other meatless meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to each one’s needs, but together, they should not equal one full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted on these two days, but liquids, including milk and fruit juices, are allowed. 

3. Ash Wednesday, all Fridays of Lent, and Good Friday are days of abstinence. Everyone 14 years of age or older is bound to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday (Feb. 18) and all Fridays during Lent.
4. The observance of the laws of fasting and abstinence are an obligation for all Catholics. To completely disregard them is a serious matter. It is sinful not to observe this discipline without a serious reason. Those whose work or health would be impaired are excused from fasting and abstaining. The individual’s conscience can decide if there is proper cause to excuse from observance. 
5. Self-imposed fasting on the other weekdays of Lent is recommended. Other penances, such as works of piety and charity, and other acts of self-denial also are appropriate as penitential acts. 
6. Parents and teachers should see to it that even children who, although not bound by the laws of fast and abstinence because of age, are nonetheless brought up in an atmosphere that introduces them to the importance of penitential practices. 
7. The faithful should be clearly and positively encouraged to participate in the sacrament of reconciliation during Lent. Churches will schedule adequate time for confessions. 
8. The liturgical directions of the Sacramentary and Lectionary must be faithfully observed regarding all the special Holy Week rites.
9. Funeral Masses are not allowed on Holy Thursday (Apr. 2) Good Friday (Apr. 3) or Holy Saturday (Apr. 4). The funeral rite outside of Mass can be held in church on those days with a Mass offered for the deceased celebrated at a later date. 
10. The RCIA is incorporated into the liturgy of Lent. The Rite of Election will be celebrated Feb. 22, at 3 p.m. in the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Rapid City. On the third, fourth and fifth Sundays of Lent, the Scrutinies take place during Mass.