Lent begins Feb. 18 with focus on penance and charity in Springfield Diocese
Lent, a 40-day period of penance and preparation for Easter, will begin on Ash Wednesday, February 18. The Easter Triduum, which starts the evening of Holy Thursday and concludes the evening of Easter Sunday (April 2-5), is considered the peak of the Liturgical Year. Though it spans three days chronologically, it is observed as one liturgical day to highlight the unity of Christ’s Paschal Mystery. The Triduum marks the conclusion of Lent and leads to the celebration of the Resurrection at the Easter Vigil.
The Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, led by Bishop Thomas John Paprocki, has encouraged all Christians to adopt voluntary self-denial in addition to official Lenten regulations. These include engaging in prayer and performing charitable acts such as giving alms. According to its official website, the diocese serves 28 counties in central and southern Illinois through its 129 parishes and various ministries.
The rules for abstinence state that anyone aged 14 or older must refrain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday (February 18) and every Friday during Lent. Those between ages 18 and under 59 are required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday (April 3). On these days, only one full meatless meal is allowed; two smaller meatless meals may be taken if needed but should not equal another full meal combined. Eating between meals is not permitted, though liquids like milk or fruit juice are allowed. Ignoring these fasting and abstinence laws entirely is considered seriously sinful.
The diocese also suggests that instead of focusing solely on giving something up for Lent—such as soda, sweets, television, or social media—parishioners can choose positive actions like attending daily Mass, praying the Rosary each day, reading Scripture, volunteering, performing daily acts of charity, or donating extra savings to their local church.
According to its official website, the Diocese promotes Catholic education, encourages vocations to religious life and priesthood, operates from Springfield at its Catholic Pastoral Center facility, and provides programs supporting youth development, marriage support, social services, faith formation initiatives, and community service since its establishment in 1853.
“We wish you a wonderful Lent!”
