Fasting – Catholics, ages 18 – 59, observe Fasting during Lent. On a fast day, one full meal is allowed. Two other meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to each one’s needs, but together they should not equal another full meal. No eating between meals except for liquids, including milk and juices.
Abstinence – Catholics over the age of 14, observe abstinence during Lent. On days of abstinence, no meat is allowed except when health or ability to work would be seriously affected.
Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fasting and abstinence. All the Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence.
Fasting, almsgiving, and prayers are three actions observed during Lent.
St. Faustina Catholic Church (Following the tradition of St. Faustina):
When St. Faustina was a child, her parents and family would have followed this very old Polish Tradition.
On Holy Saturday, the parish priest would bless a basket of food to be consumed on Easter Sunday.
Usually, the basket is wicker with a linen cloth lining. The food put in the basket includes:
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- Butter – sometimes molded into the shape of a lamb – symbol of goodwill.
- Salt – symbolic of prosperity and justice (remove the top of the salt shaker before the blessing).
- Babka – Easter bread to symbolize the bread of life- Jesus
- Horseradish – Symbol of the passion of Christ
- Kielbasa – sausage, the symbol of God’s favor
- Ham – a symbol of Joy and Abundance
- Bacon- a symbol of God’s mercy
- Candle – a symbol of the light of the world (light just before the blessing)
- Hard boiled eggs – symbol of new life (should be peeled)
- Decorate with ribbons and sprigs of greenery – SYMBOLIZES NEW LIFE: RESURRECTION
To observe this tradition, families are encouraged to make a basket to bring to St. Faustina Catholic Church on Holy Saturday, April 8 at 10 am. Father Ramon will bless Polish Easter Baskets and food.
For information on Mass schedules and other information, visit website:https://stfaustina.org
For information and Holy Week schedules and activities in the Catholic Churches in South Lake, follow the links below, call or visit:
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church – 720 12th Street, Clermont, FL (352-394-3562)
Mission of Santo Toribio Romo – 1043 East Myers Blvd. Mascotte, FL (352-394-3562)
St. Faustina Catholic Church – 15551 N. Boggy Marsh Road, Clermont, FL – directly off US 27. (352-515-9297)
