Lent and Easter regulations for Catholics

Blessing and distribution of ashes

The blessing and imposition of ashes takes place only on Ash Wednesday, ordinarily during the celebration of the Eucharist. If the Eucharist is not celebrated, the blessing and distribution is to take place within the celebration of the Liturgy of the Word. The minister for the blessing of ashes within the Mass is a bishop or priest. The minister for the blessing of ashes during a Liturgy of the Word is a bishop, priest or deacon.

Other persons may be associated with the bishop, priest or deacon in the imposition of ashes – such as extraordinary ministers of holy Communion and other lay persons – when there is a true pastoral need. 

Lent and Easter guidelines

A distinction is to be made between Lent and the Easter Triduum. Strictly speaking, Lent ends with the beginning of the Triduum on Holy Thursday. The Ordo notes: “Lent runs from Ash Wednesday until the Mass of the Lord’s Supper exclusive on Holy Thursday.”

Fasting and abstinence

Fasting is to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday by all Catholics who are 18 years of age but not yet 59. Those who are bound to fast may take only one full meal. Two smaller meals are permitted if necessary to maintain strength, according to each one’s needs, but eating solid foods between meals is not permitted.

Abstinence from meat is to be observed by all Catholics 14 years or older on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and on all Fridays of Lent. The determination of certain days as obligatory days of penance should not be understood as limiting the occasions for Christian penance.

Maintaining the spirit of the season of Lent

The spirit of the season of Lent should be maintained throughout the weeks of Lent. The obligation to observe penitential days of the church is serious. Failure to observe individual days of penance is not necessarily considered serious. No one should be scrupulous in this regard. People should seek to do more rather than less, since fast and abstinence on the days prescribed should be considered a minimal response to the Lord’s call to penance and conversion of life.

Time for the celebration of the Easter vigil

The Roman Missal states: “The entire celebration of the Easter Vigil must take place during the night, so that it begins after nightfall and ends before daybreak on the Sunday.” No Mass may precede the Easter Vigil. In the Archdiocese of New Orleans, the Easter Vigil Liturgy may not begin before 8 p.m. CDT.

Weddings

Weddings may not be celebrated on Sundays of Lent, during the Easter Triduum or on Holy Saturday after the Vigil.

Baptisms

The Roman Missal states that baptism is one of the four parts of the Easter Vigil, celebrated “as day approaches, with new members reborn in Baptism.” The RCIA is geared and planned for the reception of the sacraments of initiation at the Vigil. The Rite of Baptism of Children states: “To bring out the Paschal character of baptism, it is recommended that the sacrament be celebrated during the Easter Vigil or on Sunday when the Church commemorates the Lord’s resurrection.”

Funerals

Funerals may be celebrated on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday, but not within the context of Mass. The Eucharist may not be celebrated or distributed at a funeral on these days.