The penitential and grace-filled Lenten Season begins with Ash Wednesday on March 5, 2025. It is a time of hope-filled renewal as the Church journeys towards Easter. In order to assist the faithful of the Diocese of Brooklyn, our Bishop, the Most Reverend Robert Brennan wishes to draw attention to the following:
Abstinence: All the faithful who have reached 14 years of age are required to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and all the Fridays of Lent.
Fasting: All the faithful between the ages of 18 and 59 inclusive are bound to fast on Ash Wednesday and on Good Friday. Fasting means limiting oneself to one full meal and avoiding food between meals. Light sustenance may be taken on two other occasions during the day. Coffee, tea and juice are permitted at any time.
Easter Duty: After they have been fully initiated into the Most Holy Eucharist, all the faithful are bound to receive Holy Communion at least once a year. This precept must be fulfilled in the Easter Season unless, for a good reason, it is fulfilled at another time. By special permission, in the USA, the period for fulfilling this precept is extended to include the period from the 1st Sunday of Lent (March 9 until Pentecost June 8).