Lent / Wielki Post

Our observance of Lent begins this year on February 13, Ash Wednesday, a day of fast and abstinence for

Catholics. At Mass on Ash Wednesday, the imposition of ashes replicates an ancient penitential practice and
symbolizes our dependence upon God's mercy and forgiveness.
During Lent, the baptized are called to renew their baptismal commitment as others prepare to be baptized through
the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, a period of learning and discernment for individuals who have declared
their desire to become Catholics.
The three traditional pillars of Lenten observance are prayer, fasting and almsgiving. The Church asks us to
surrender ourselves to prayer and to the reading of Scripture, to fasting and to giving alms. The fasting that all do
together on Fridays is but a sign of the daily Lenten discipline of individuals and households: fasting for certain
periods of time, fasting from certain foods, but also fasting from other things and activities. Likewise, the giving of
alms is some effort to share this world equally—not only through the distribution of money, but through the sharing
of our time and talents.
The key to fruitful observance of these practices is to recognize their link to baptismal renewal. We are called not
just to abstain from sin during Lent but to true conversion of our hearts and minds as followers of Christ. We recall
those waters in which we were baptized into Christ’s death, died to sin and evil, and began new life in Christ.
GUIDELINES FOR LENTEN OBSERVANCE
The following are guidelines of Lenten observance for the faithful in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston:
· Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence.
· Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence.
Fasting binds all people who have completed their 18th birthday through those who have completed their 59th year,
unless prevented by poor health. On days of fast, one full meal is allowed. Two other meals, sufficient to
maintain strength, may be taken according to one’s own needs. Eating between meals is not allowed although
fluids may be taken.
Abstinence binds all persons who have completed their 14th birthday, unless prevented by poor health. On days of
abstinence, the consumption of meat is not allowed. The Church strongly encourages the observance of Friday
abstinence, but failure to do so is not regarded as sinful.
Lent is a penitential season and as such religious practices such as daily Mass, reception of the Sacrament of
Penance, the devotion of the Stations of the Cross, works of charity and justice, and acts of self-denial are highly
encouraged. †

As Lent approaches,  we once again encourage everyone to look to deepen their relationship with Jesus, especially during our Jubilee Year at Holy Rosary, as well as during the worldwide Year of Faith.  Therefore, as we had done during Advent, we are once again offering early morning weekday Masses at 7:00 AM. We would like to hear from you, our parishioners, to get an idea of how many of you would be interested in participating in these morning services. If you are interested in these Masses, simply sign your name on our sheet which can be found in the vestibule of the church.

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Zbliża się Wielki Post. W Roku Wiary i Roku Jubileuszowym naszej Parafii odpowiadając na prośbę papieża Benedykta XVI, pragniemy pogłębić swoją relacje z Jezusem. Najlepszym sposobem spotykania się z Jezusem jest oczywiście Eucharystia. Odpowiadając na pytania parafian, czy w tym czasie, tak samo jak w Adwencie, będzie w tygodniu Msza św o 7 rano, tak by można było w niej uczestniczyć przed praca bądź szkołą, zwracamy się z pytaniem do wszystkich parafian, ilu z Was jest zainteresowanych uczestnictwem w tej Rannej Mszy. W przedsionku znajduje się lista, na którą proszę zapisać się  byśmy mogli podjąć  decyzje zgodą z potrzebami parafii.