As your faith community begins its observance of the Lenten Season, you may notice some changes. Decor and musical accompaniment may be more subdued so that the penitential character of the season is better preserved. The Alleluia is also not used from the beginning of Lent until the Easter Vigil. While weddings are permitted during Lent, they are to reflect the special nature of the season. Funeral Masses may not be celebrated on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday or Easter Sunday.

In addition to choosing their own penitential practices, Catholics are also asked to observe the practices of fast and abstinence during the 40 days of Lent. The Lenten Fast and Abstinence Regulations are as follows:

1. Everyone 14 years of age or over is bound to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and all the Fridays of Lent.

2. Everyone 18 years of age and under 59 years of age is bound to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. (The obligation of fasting ceases with the celebration of one's 59th birthday.)

3. On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, only one full meatless meal is allowed. Two other smaller meatless meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to each one's needs, but together they should not equal another full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted on these two days, but liquids, including milk and fruit juices are allowed. When health or ability to work would be seriously affected, the law does not oblige.

4. Catholics should not lightly excuse themselves from these prescribed minimal penitential practices.