Invitation to the
observance of a holy Lent
After the Sermon at mass, all stand, and
the Celebrant or Minister appointed invites the people to the observance of a
holy Lent, saying
Dear People of God:
The first Christians observed with great devotion the days of our Lord’s
passion and resurrection, and it became the custom of the Church to prepare for
them by a season of penitence and fasting. This season of Lent provided a time
in which converts to the faith were prepared for Holy Baptism. It was also a time when those who, because of
notorious sins, had been separated from the body of the faithful were
reconciled by penitence and forgiveness, and restored to the fellowship of the Church.
Thereby, the whole congregation was put in mind of the message of pardon and
absolution set forth in the Gospel of our Savior, and of the need which all
Christians continually have to renew their repentance and faith.
I invite you,
therefore, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, by self‑examination
and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self‑denial; and by reading and
meditating on God’s holy Word. And, to make a right beginning of repentance,
and as a mark of our mortal nature, let us now kneel before the Lord, our maker
and redeemer.
Silence is then kept for a time, all
kneeling. Then may be said the litany.
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