Now that we are into Lent, I should remind you that the church does call for the practice of fasting, abstaining, and the taking on of a personal penance. Fasting means eating something less thah Wednesday and on the Friday’s of Lent. Abstaining means the avoidance of meat, and this also would apply to Ash Wednesday and the Friday’s of Lent. If you are aged 14 or older, the expectation is that you would abstain, and meanwhile those aged 18 through 59 are called upon to fast. If you have a medical condition, then you are exempted from these practices. You would then be encouraged to adopt some other disciplinary practice to carry you through the season of Lent. As for the choosing of a personal penance, consider the example of giving up sweets or television or perhaps electronic games. I should also add that Bishop Raica has issued a dispensation for St. n three square meals during a day, along with the avoidance of snacking. We typically fast on AsPatrick’s Day. Even though it falls on a Friday, you will still be able to have corned beef or whatever is customary. Bishop recommends you choose another day for your fasting and abstaining.

On the subject of discipline, it’s been suggested to me that I issue a reminder about church etiquette. I’ve heard reports about excessive socializing within the church proper during the period leading up to Mass. We certainly don’t want to discourage socializing, but let’s see if it can be reserved to areas like the lobby and the hall. As we pass from the lobby into the church proper, we’ll need to recall the words of Jesus in Mark chapter 11, “My house shall be a house of prayer.” The ideal would be to maintain a friendly atmosphere, but not at the expense of maintaining a prayerful atmosphere. Additionally,with regard to etiquette, I worry about what kind of message is being sent to the Lord when people leave Mass early. I understand that sometimes it might be necessary. But I would recommend that when you do contemplate leaving early, ask yourself: “Is it really necessary for me to leave early?”