Q&A for How to Celebrate Lent

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  • Question
    Should one fast on Sundays?
    Community Answer
    In the 40 days of Lent, Sundays are not counted. It is permissible to fast on Sunday if you'd like, though.
  • Question
    Where in the Bible is this even mentioned?
    Community Answer
    In the Bible, it is mentioned that Jesus fasted in the desert for 40 days and 40 nights. Lent commemorates this.
  • Question
    Is drinking and smoking prohibited during Lent?
    Community Answer
    No, though these are good options to consider giving up for Lent.
  • Question
    Should my entire forehead be exposed if I'm going to be anointed with ash on Ash Wednesday? If so, should I lift my hair up during it or get a haircut?
    Community Answer
    Your forehead should be visible to the priest or deacon (or minister/pastor, depending on your denomination) during the actual imposition of ashes. You can just lift your hair, or have a ponytail. You don't have to keep the ashes visible after mass.
  • Question
    Our priest spoke at a meeting and said your penance for Lent ends after Easter vigil or after the mass you attend on Easter Sunday. You state that Lent ends on Holy Thursday. Which is correct?
    Community Answer
    Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday are called the Triduum. The 40 days of Lent end on Holy Thursday. However, you should continue to fast, pray, and do penance during the Triduum. Some people like to do their Lenten penance as well as some added penance during the Triduum.
  • Question
    What if a Catholic seriously forgets it's a Friday during Lent and eats meat that day and is sorry for it?
    Community Answer
    If they are truly sorry, God will forgive, and they could even go to confession.
  • Question
    Is all right to drink coffee during Lent? Do I skip the sugar? Is Holy Thursday the day after Ash Wednesday? What if I can't fast the whole 40 days?
    Ollieoxenfree
    Community Answer
    You may drink coffee during Lent, although many people give it up. You don't have to skip the sugar unless you have given up sugar. Holy Thursday is the day before Good Friday. Fasting is only mandatory on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday; all the other days, you are not required to fast.
  • Question
    What are the types of food required during Lent?
    Community Answer
    Eat fresh veggies and fruit. During Len you can't eat meat on Fridays.
  • Question
    Do I eat at all during Lent?
    Community Answer
    You can eat during Lent. If you're Catholic you're required to abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday and Fridays during Lent.
  • Question
    I heard that some people don't wear their footwear during Lent days; what's the reason behind it?
    告尤金
    Community Answer
    Some people think that it is a symbol of humility.
  • Question
    Why is Lent important?
    Community Answer
    Lent is our time out of the year to focus for 40 days on God. Lent is a good time to really evaluate our lives and see if we are living in harmony with God. If not, what can we change? Lent is important because it gives us time to be with God and for God to be with us before Easter.
  • Question
    Can I skip the fast on Sundays?
    Community Answer
    Sunday is one of the main days you shouldn't skip. It is best not to skip especially that day.
  • Question
    Do I have to fast?
    Community Answer
    No, you don't have to fast if you don't want to.
  • Question
    Are Sundays included in Lent?
    Community Answer
    Yes. You should start the sacrifice on Ash Wednesday and keep going until at least Holy Thursday.
  • Question
    Can I eat chicken during lent?
    Community Answer
    No, chicken still counts as meat.
  • Question
    Can I watch movies during lent?
    Community Answer
    Indeed you can!
  • Question
    Can you wash off your ashes before going to bed on Ash Wednesday or do you have to keep it on until it disappears on its own (which could be days later)?
    Community Answer
    You should try keep it until your next shower, and then you can just wash it off. Change your pillowcase then too.
  • Question
    Is it true that I can't drink alcohol during Lent?
    Rose
    Community Answer
    According to Wikipedia: "Church requirements on fasting only relate to solid food, not to drink, so Church law does not restrict the amount of water or other beverages – even alcoholic drinks – which may be consumed. In some Western countries, Catholics have been encouraged to adopt non-dietary forms of abstinence during Lent."
  • Question
    Do I have to go to church on Good Friday?
    Community Answer
    No, you don't. However, it can be a good experience, and I would advise it, as it is a deeply holy day and allows you to think about the sacrifice Jesus made to save you!
  • Question
    What happens during an Ash Wednesday service?
    Community Answer
    During this service, you will get a cross marked on your head with ashes made from the palms of last year's Palm Sunday. The pastor will tell you "From dust you come, and to dust you shall return" to remind you of your own death, and that God has saved you from it.
  • Question
    Can a person under the age of 18 take part in the fasting or not?
    Community Answer
    Yes, as long as you are healthy, not pregnant, or have no medical condition that would make fasting a bad idea.
  • Question
    Is a married couple allowed to have sexual intercourse during Lent?
    Torpi
    Top Answerer
    Not in Eastern Orthodox churches. The Roman Catholic Church does not have any particular teaching on this - it is up to the couple to decide whether or not having sex during Lent would be true to the idea of giving up something good in service of something greater. Those Protestant churches that do practice Lent will have different teachings depending on denomination.
  • Question
    If I slip up and do the thing that I gave up for Lent, would that be considered a sin?
    Community Answer
    If you tried to give up a sin for Lent, such as lying, it would be a sin. If it was just something like giving up chocolate, and you accidentally ate chocolate, it is not a sin if you are truly sorry for it.
  • Question
    Why is singing Alleluia prohibited in Lent?
    Mai Lê Bảo Khang
    Community Answer
    Because, Alleluia is associated to Paschal joy, which is first expressed after the Gloria of the Paschal Vigil. The last day of Alleluia is the Shrove Tuesday, and the first day after it is the Easter Vigil. (Note: In Easter Vigil, neither Alleluia nor Tract is sung before Gospel but the Psalm 118 between Epistle and Gospel is sung.)
  • Question
    When does the 40 days fasting start? And what time do we eat and how long do we have in between? Is it a good idea to fast for 40 days if I am fasting for the first time?
    Crystal
    Community Answer
    The 40 days of Lent start on Ash Wednesday, about 6 1/2 weeks before Easter. Fasting as a Catholic is 1 full meal about 3 p.m. and 2 smaller meals not to equal the full meal in size. We are also not supposed to fast on Sundays and certain feast days, including St. Joseph's Day, March 19.
  • Question
    How do you define ‘God’?
    Community Answer
    God is the creator of everything. He looks after everyone and loves everyone. He is present everywhere and can do any and everything. Like every parent, God sees how we live and takes pride in seeing good children who could love and display faith in their daily living.
  • Question
    I want to sacrifice watching TV for Lent but I live with my boyfriend in a one bedroom. How do I avoid watching TV in this instance?
    Community Answer
    You can avoid eating chicken when your boyfriend is eating it. You will get the smell when he is eating but that's okay. Likewise, if the T.V. is on, you might get distracted but you need not be glued to it or avoiding your meditation during Lent. Your mind should be ready to focus on Lent and Jesus and the rest will fall in place. Jesus can see that you 'want' to make it work.
  • Question
    What topics are for Lent?
    Community Answer
    Reflecting upon how casually you've been taking your responsibilities, making an honest decision to accept your purpose of life, being kind to others, loving Jesus and so on. These things about your acts, thoughts and praising Jesus for His love can be reflected upon during lent.
  • Question
    I want to fast 12 hours but do I drink water?
    Community Answer
    You are allowed to drink water as you like. Don't gorge on too much water on an empty stomach. It is not in the true spirit of Lent.
  • Question
    What is unleavened bread?
    Community Answer
    Unleavened bread is prepared without using a raising agent like yeast or baking soda. These breads are flat and not as soft. It represents the speed in which Jesus left. They had unleavened bread at the passover and made a covenant of Jesus 's sacrifice for mankind.
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