Ash Wednesday Almsgiving CollectionThere will be a special collection on Ash Wednesday, March 5th, to support VermontCatholic Charities. This agency provides financial and emotional support to individuals andfamilies throughout Vermont through the programs offered which include Counseling,Emergency Aid, Prison Ministry, and Residential Care Homes. A special collection will betaken up on Ash Wednesday at your parish or donations can be made through our websidehttps://www.vtcatholiccharities.org/ways-to-give or by mailing a check to Vermont CatholicCharities, 55 Joy Drive, South Burlington, VT 05403. Please know that every gift, whateverthe size, makes a difference., As a Catholic community, let us be the hands and feet ofChrist to our neighbors in need during the Lenten season.Guidelines for LentThe time of Lent is to be observed by Catholics as a special season of prayer, penanceand works of charity. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are the most important penitentialdays of the liturgical year. They are days of both fast and abstinence. The rule of fastiingstates that ony one full meal a day can be taken. Two small meals sufficient to maintainstrength are allowed. Eating between meals breaks the fast, but drinkng liquids does not.The rule of fasting obliges all Catholics from 18 to 59. All Fridays in Lent are days ofabstinence meaning no meat is to be eaten. The rule of abstinence binds all Catholics 14years and older.