Laudetur Iesus Christus! Just a reminder this week is Whit Embertide, or the Ember Days of Pentecost.

As our readers may recall, the Ember Days are the 3 penitential days in the 1962 calendar, occurring at the beginning of each season, that offer thanksgiving and prayers for holiness in the upcoming season.  This week is the Whit Ember Days for the summer season and occurs on the following dates below.  Though the below fasting/partial abstinence days are now voluntary, with all the sin occurring in the world (and in the Church), it may be worth participating in the traditional fasts if you have not done so before.

• Whit Ember Wednesday – Wednesday May 26 (fasting, partial abstinence), St. Ann, 6pm Low Mass
• Whit Ember Friday – Friday May 28 (fasting and since its Friday, complete abstinence from meat), St. Ann, 7am Low Mass; St. Mark 12:30pm Low Mass
• Whit Ember Saturday – Saturday May 29 (fasting, partial abstinence), no diocesan Latin Masses in Charlotte currently scheduled.

The “Whit Ember” days are named after Whit Sunday (“white”), which was an ancient name for Pentecost Sunday and the robes worn by catechumens that day. To learn more about the Whit Ember days visit: https://www.fisheaters.com/customseastertide8.html

Additionally, these Embertide articles may also be of interest:

• The Pentecost Embertide Fast: Renewing in Faith and Fervor the Gift Once Given: https://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2021/05/the-pentecost-embertide-fast-renewing.html

• Dubium: Is It Appropriate to Fast during the Pentecost Octave?: https://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2020/06/dubium-is-it-appropriate-to-fast-during.html#.YHdoH-tKiUl

• Ember Days: https://www.fisheaters.com/emberdays.html