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IN THE DIOCESE
February 6, 2018 | The Valley Catholic
Lenten Regulations 2018:
Ash Wednesday, February 14
Lent focuses on two aspects of Christian life. First, we remember our Baptism
and prepare those to be baptized. Second, we practice more intensely Christian
penitential disciplines in order to live more faithfully the vows we made, or will
make, at Baptism. In these two ways, Catholics prepare for the great Easter season
when those who are not Christian are baptized and those who are already Christian
renew their baptismal promises.
Because we can fail to live out our baptismal call, we sin in ways that weaken
our relationship with God, each other, and the world. Through our Lenten penance,
we strive not only for inward conversion but also for outward reconciliation with
the Church, those around us, and creation. Thus, we practice more intensely three
penitential disciplines: prayer, fasting, and works of charity and love.
Prayer and Works of Charity
During Lent, Catholics participate more often in the Eucharist not only on Sun-
day but also on traditionally penitential days, such as Friday. We also celebrate the
Sacrament of Penance and other liturgies, such as Evening Prayer and Adoration of
the Blessed Sacrament. To deepen our prayer life, we participate in other devotions
and works of service, including Stations of the Cross, daily prayer, Scripture read-
ing, spiritual reading, almsgiving, self-denial, forgiveness of others, and increased
care for those in need.
Fasting and Abstinence
We practice the traditional penitential discipline of fasting by denying or limiting
ourselves of food. During Lent, Catholics age 18 or older, until the beginning of their
60 th year, are obligated to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
Fasting means eating only one full meatless meal per day. One may also eat
two other meatless meals that are sufficient to maintain strength but together do
not equal a full meal. One may also drink liquids, including milk and fruit juice,
between meals. If your health or ability to work is affected, you are not obligated to
fast. If possible, fast on other days of Lent as well.
We practice abstinence from meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and all Fri-
days of Lent. On these days, from the day after one’s 14 th birthday, all Catholics are
bound by Church law to abstain from meat. For children younger than 14, pastors
and parents should form them to have an authentic sense of penance, conversion,
and reconciliation.
Easter Duty and Holy Communion
All the faithful, after they have participated in First Communion, are obligated
to share in Communion at least once a year. This law must be fulfilled during the
Easter season unless it is fulfilled for a just cause at some other time during the year.
In the United States, with regard to this law, the Easter season is the period from the
First Sunday of Lent until Most Holy Trinity Sunday (the Sunday after Pentecost).
Sacrament of Penance
After Baptism and a diligent examination of conscience, members of the Christian
faithful who are old enough to understand what they have done are obligated at least
once a year to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance if one has consciously committed
a serious sin. The Church encourages us also to confess less serious, or venial, sins.
Appointments of Bishop Patrick J. McGrath
February
8
10
11
17
18
20
Thurs, 9:30 a.m., Council of Priests Meeting, Diocesan Offices, San Jose
Thurs, 1 p.m., Cabinet Meeting, Diocesan Offices, San Jose
Sat, 11 a.m., Mass, World Day of the Sick, Saint Christopher Church, San Jose
Sat, 8 p.m., Santa Clara University Golden Circle Dinner, Fairmont Hotel, San Jose
Sun, 7 p.m., Mass, TET Vietnamese New Year, Saint Victor Parish, San Jose
Sat, 6 p.m., Discernment Retreat, Saint Lawrence Church, Santa Clara
Sun, 3 p.m., Mass, Chinese New Year, Saint Clare Church, Santa Clara
Tues, 2 p.m., Clergy Personnel Board Meeting, Diocesan Offices, San Jose
COMING UP IN THE DIOCESE
End-of-Life Decisions: A Catholic Perspective
February 10 @ 10 a.m. – Noon, Saint Francis of Assisi Parish, 5111 San Felipe Road, San Jose.
Choices at the end of life present unique challenges, particularly within a complex and techno-
logically advanced society. Physical death is perceived within modern society as the ultimate
human tragedy. This presentation will explore end-of-life choices within the context of faith
in Jesus and the moral tradition of the Church. Learn more at www.catholiccemeteriesdsj.org.
World Day of the Sick
February 10 @ 11 a.m. – Noon, Saint Christopher Church, 1576 Curtner Ave., San Jose.
Bishop Patrick J. McGrath will preside at the special celebration of the World Day of the Sick,
sponsored by the Order of Malta, in honor of Our Lady of Lourdes. Join us for a special Eucha-
ristic Celebration with Anointing of the Sick.
Monday Night Adult Bible Study - EPIC: A Journey Through Church History
February 12 @ 7 - 9 p.m., Our Lady of Peace Church, 2800 Mission College Blvd., Santa Clara.
Discover the “EPIC” story of the Catholic Church. As Catholics we are heirs to a remarkable
heritage. The history of our faith is so m