The annual Lenten season is the fitting time to climb the holy mountain of Easter. The Lenten season has a double character, namely to prepare both the catechumens and faithful to celebrate the paschal mystery. The catechumens by catechesis are prepared for the celebration of the sacraments of initiation; the faithful prepare themselves by penance for the renewal of their baptismal promises.

Pia, Kwaresima ni kipindi cha maadhimisho maalum ya toba. Kwa kufuata maelekezo ya Kanisa Takatifu, Maaskofu wa Marekani wametangaza kwamba wajibu wa kufunga na kujiepusha na nyama bado unafungamana na siku ya Jumatano ya Majivu na Ijumaa Kuu. Katika suala hili, waamini wanafurahia uhuru wa dhamiri wa kujitetea, lakini, kama Maaskofu wanavyosema, “hakuna Mkristo Mkatoliki atakayejisamehe kwa urahisi kutoka katika wajibu uliotukuka” siku hizi. Kwa kuongezea, mila ya kujiepusha na nyama katika Ijumaa zingine za Kwaresima huhifadhiwa. Tena, Maaskofu wanaonyesha imani yao kwamba "hakuna Mkristo Mkatoliki atakayejiweka huru kutokana na desturi hii ya kutubu." (Kauli ya Maaskofu)

JUMATANO YA MAJIVU, Machi 5, 2025, na IJUMAA NJEMA, Aprili 18, 2025 ni siku za kufunga na kujizuia. IJUMAA YA KWARESIMA pia ni siku za kujizuia. Kufunga, kutoa sadaka, na maombi ni taaluma tatu za kimapokeo za Kwaresima. Waamini na wakatekumeni wanapaswa kuchukua mazoea haya kwa umakini katika roho ya toba na kujitayarisha kwa ubatizo au kufanya upya ubatizo katika Pasaka.

Abstinence

Abstinence is observed by all 14 years of age and older. On days of abstinence, no meat is allowed. Note that when health or ability to work would be seriously affected, the law does not oblige. When in doubt concerning fast and abstinence, the parish priest should be consulted.

Fast

Kufunga kunapaswa kuzingatiwa na wote wenye umri wa miaka 18 na zaidi, ambao bado hawajasherehekea siku yao ya kuzaliwa ya 59. Siku ya kufunga, mlo mmoja kamili unaruhusiwa. Milo mingine miwili, ya kutosha kudumisha nguvu, inaweza kuchukuliwa kulingana na mahitaji ya kila mmoja, lakini kwa pamoja haipaswi kuwa sawa na mlo mwingine kamili. Kula kati ya chakula haruhusiwi, lakini vinywaji, ikiwa ni pamoja na maziwa na juisi, vinaruhusiwa.

Sacrificial Offerings

Almsgiving is one of the three Lenten disciplines. We present an opportunity for sacrificial offerings by distributing Operation Rice Bowl.