Episode 1800: Do you have a Lenten Calendar?

Lenten Calendar – 2024
In the Traditional Catholic Church, the season of Epiphany traditionally ends on the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas. This feast is celebrated on February 2nd, 40 days after Christmas. The Presentation of the Lord commemorates the presentation of Jesus in the Temple and the purification of the Virgin Mary, according to the Mosaic Law.
The liturgical significance of this feast is closely tied to the Gospel of Luke (Luke 2:22-40), where Mary and Joseph present Jesus in the Temple, and Simeon and Anna recognize Jesus as the Messiah. The candles used in the liturgy on this day are blessed, symbolizing Jesus as the Light of the World.
After the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, the liturgical focus shifts, and the Church enters into the preparatory season of Septuagesima, which marks the beginning of the pre-Lenten period leading up to Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent. This is why in certain years you have different number of Sundays after the Epiphany because even though the date of the end of the Epiphany season is always marked by the feast day of the presentation of our lord, the date of Ash Wednesday (which is the start of Lent) changes based on two things:
• The 40 days of Lent
• Easter day or the date on when Easter has been determined.
So once Easter is decided they work the calendar backward to decide when the Pre-Lent Season begins. Get it?
What? Why not just fix Easter the same as Christmas and the End of Epiphany (Presentation).
The date of Easter is determined based on a complex set of rules that involve astronomical calculations and follow traditions established at the First Council of Nicaea in AD 325. The general principles are as follows:
Spring Equinox: Easter is set to fall on the Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox (spring equinox). The vernal equinox is the day when the day and night are of approximately equal length.
Paschal Full Moon: The "Paschal Full Moon" is not necessarily the actual astronomical full moon, but a mathematical approximation based on ecclesiastical computations. It is the 14th day of a lunar month that falls on or after March 21.
Sunday: Easter is always celebrated on a Sunday because it commemorates the Resurrection of Jesus, which according to Catholic tradition, occurred on a Sunday.
Following these rules, Easter can fall between March 22 and April 25.

This is why 3 things happen in the liturgical calendar that confuse the faithful.
1st: The number of Sundays after Pentecost change from year to year.
2nd: The Number of Sundays after the Epiphany change year to year.
3rd: The pre-Lenten calendar for 3 primary Sundays dates before Ash Wednesday change as well because they are based on the number of days before Easter.
You are probably more confused now than before but fear not I will explain.
The pre-Lenten Sundays are known as Septuagesima, Sexagesima, and Quinquagesima. These Latin names indicate the approximate number of days (in tens) before Easter. The names are derived from the Latin words for 70 (Septuagesima), 60 (sexagesima), and 50 (Quinquagesima). These Sundays mark the beginning of the pre-Lenten season, also known as the "gesima Sundays."
Septuagesima Sunday: Jan 28th
Meaning: "Seventieth" (approximately 70 days before Easter).
Liturgical Color: Violet/Purple.
Purpose: Symbolically, it represents the 70 years of Babylonian exile, inviting the faithful to prepare for the penitential season of Lent.
Sexagesima Sunday: Feb 4th
Meaning: "Sixtieth" (approximately 60 days before Easter).
Liturgical Color: Violet/Purple.
Purpose: This Sunday continues the countdown to Lent, emphasizing the approaching penitential season.
Quinquagesima Sunday: Feb 11th
Meaning: "Fiftieth" (approximately 50 days before Easter).
Liturgical Color: Violet/Purple.
Purpose: It serves as the final Sunday before Lent, marking the fiftieth day before Easter. It is a time for increased reflection and preparation for the upcoming season of fasting and penance.
The pre-Lenten season is a period of gradual transition, preparing the faithful for the more intense period of Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday. The use of the term "gesima" is derived from the Latin word for "times" or "seasons" (tempora).
So the Gesima Sundays can begin before the end of the Season of the Epiphany as it occurs this year. Jan 28th starts the Gesima Sundays and yet the Season of the Epiphany end on February 2nd.
So in short know that the date of Easter is what makes the liturgical calendar work because it is the most important date for the Catholic Church.
Now you are educated and so educate others.
Now let us discuss your Lenten plan or Lenten Calendar.
Ash Wednesday (February 14, 2024):
• Attend Holy Mass and receive ashes.
• Begin fasting and abstinence.
• Reflect on the significance of Lent.
• Start reading the Book you Chose for Lent (i.e., Way of Perfection, Interior Castle, Soul of the Apostolate and Ascent to Mount Carmel etc.)
Week 1: Prayer and Reflection (February 14-27, 2024):
• Set a specific time each day for morning prayer.
• Attend Mass on weekdays.
• Choose a Lenten devotional or Scripture passages for daily reflection.
Week 2: Sacrifice & Almsgiving (February 18th – 24th, 2024):
• Identify a personal sacrifice for Lent.
• Increase acts of kindness and charitable giving.
• Reflect on the purpose of your sacrifice.
Week 3: Fasting and Abstinence (February 25th -March 2nd, 2024):
• Follow the Church's guidelines on fasting and abstinence.
• Attend Stations of the Cross.
• Reflect on Christ's journey to Calvary.
Week 4: Confession and Repentance (March 3rd – March 9th, 2024):
• Schedule a time for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
• Reflect on areas of your life that need repentance.
• Attend a Lenten retreat or lecture if available.
Laetare Sunday (March 10th, 2024):
Laetare Sunday, also known as the Fourth Sunday of Lent, is celebrated on the middle Sunday of the Lenten season. The term "Laetare" is derived from the Latin word for "rejoice," and this Sunday is a day of joyful anticipation amidst the penitential season of Lent. It serves as a brief respite from the somber atmosphere, allowing the faithful to express joy and hope as Easter approaches. The liturgical color for Laetare Sunday is rose or pink, symbolizing a lightening of the penitential tone.
• Rejoice in the midpoint of Lent.
• Reflect on progress and areas for growth.
• Attend Mass and participate in joyful worship.
Week 5: Renewal and Recommitment (March 10th-16th, 2024):
• Renew baptismal vows through personal prayer.
• Engage in acts of renewal and commitment.
• Attend additional Lenten events at your parish.
Week 6: Review your Progress & Holy Week Preparation (March 17th-23rd, 2024):
• Since you are a week away from Holy Week review your progress
And go back to catch up on those practices you missed in the first 5 weeks.
Week 7: Holy Week (March 24th-30th, 2024):
• Attend Palm Sunday Mass and participate in the procession.
• Engage in Holy Week preparations, including Confession.
• Reflect on the upcoming Triduum.
• Attend Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Vigil services.
• Visit Churches on Holy Thursday night.
• Fast and abstain on Good Friday.
• Reflect on the profound meaning of Christ's sacrifice.
• Make sure you go to confession before Good Friday.
Easter Sunday (March 31st, 2024):
• Celebrate the Resurrection at Easter Sunday Mass.
• Renew your commitment to living as a disciple of Christ.
• Express gratitude for the grace of Easter.

Post-Easter Reflection (April 1st-6th, 2024):
• Reflect on the entire Lenten journey.
• Create a plan for the remainder of the post-Easter season and Pentecost Season so you are ready for the new year (Advent Season).
Consider how to incorporate spiritual growth into daily life.
Express gratitude for the blessings received during Lent.