As we approach Lent, beginning on Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2025, our parish community in Seaford, Newhaven, and Peacehaven invites you to engage deeply in this season of reflection, fasting, and prayer.
Understanding Fasting and Abstinence
Lent is a 40-day period leading up to Easter, commemorating Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and time of fasting in the desert. During this season, Catholics worldwide observe practices of fasting and abstinence to foster spiritual growth and self-discipline.
- Fasting: On designated days, adults aged 18 to 60 are encouraged to eat one full meal and two smaller meals that together do not equal a full meal. This practice is observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
- Abstinence: Catholics aged 14 and older are called to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and all Fridays during Lent. This act of self-denial helps us remember the sacrifices of Christ.
These guidelines are in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Lenten Observances in Our Parish
Our parish offers various opportunities to observe Lent together:
- Ash Wednesday Services: March 5, 2025
- Mass with distribution of ashes at 10:00 AM in Peacehaven and 7:00 PM in Seaford.
- Stations of the Cross:
- Sundays, 3:00 PM in Peacehaven
- Fridays, 7:00 PM in Seaford – followed by hot chocolate and hot cross buns
- Adoration and Benediction:
- Sundays 6:00 PM in Seaford
- Rosary:
- Seaford: Tuesday to Friday 6:00 PM in Seaford – with the intention of our families, the Domestic Church
For more details and updates, please see our weekly parish newsletter on the parish website.
Embracing the Lenten Journey
Lent is a time to reflect on our relationship with God, and prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter. Through fasting, abstinence, prayer, and community participation, we can deepen our faith and experience spiritual renewal.
Let us support one another in our Lenten commitments and come together as a parish family to grow in holiness.