CANDY-FREE ZONE
With the beginning of the Lenten season, IHM School is a “Candy-Free Zone.” We encourage the children to make small sacrifices in participation of the spirit of Lent and we ask that your refrain from packing sweets and candy in your child’s lunch during the 40 days.
GUIDELINES FOR FAST AND ABSTINENCE
Lenten fast and abstinence regulations for the Diocese of Worcester are as follows:
Abstinence from meat is to be observed by all Catholics fourteen (14) years of age and older on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and all the Fridays of Lent.
Fasting is to be observed by all Catholics who are eighteen (18) years of age but not yet fifty-nine (59) years of age on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
Those who are bound to fast may take only one full meal. Two smaller meals are permitted if necessary to maintain strength according to one’s needs, but eating solid foods between meals is not permitted. Catholics should not lightly excuse themselves from these prescribed Lenten penitential practices.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
We invite you to join us for the Stations of the Cross every Friday during Lent here at IHM Chapel at 7:30 p.m. This is a great opportunity to deepen your faith and receive graces for yourself and your family. We highly encourage you to mark your calendars and make it a point to attend. Don’t miss out on the promises that are attached to this devotion!
LENTEN INDULGENCE
On the Fridays of Lent, the faithful receive a plenary indulgence, if they recite the Prayer Before a Crucifix. The indulgence is a partial indulgence any other time. In addition, on any of the Fridays of Lent, one can devoutly recite after Communion this prayer before a crucifix. From the context, it is imperative to do so after receiving Communion, during thanksgiving, to receive the plenary indulgence.
Prayer Before a Crucifix
Behold, O good and sweetest Jesus, I cast myself upon my knees in Thy sight, and with the most fervent desire of my soul, I pray and beseech Thee to impress upon my heart lively sentiments of faith, hope, and charity, with true repentance for my sins and a firm desire of amendment. Whilst with deep affection and grief of soul I consider within myself and mentally contemplate Thy five most precious wounds, having before mine eyes that which David, the prophet, long ago spoke concerning Thee, “They have pierced My hands and My feet, they have numbered all My bones.” Amen.