Lent

The ANNUAL Lenten Season is a fitting time to climb the holy mountain of Easter. The Lenten season has a double character, namely, to prepare both catechumens and faithful to celebrate the paschal mystery. The catechumens, with the rite of election and scrutinies and catechesis, are prepared for the celebration of the sacraments of Christian initiative; the faithful, ever more attentive to the word of God and prayer, prepare themselves by penance for the renewal of their baptismal promises (Ceremoniale episcoporum, 249).

1. Alleluia is not sung or said from the beginning of Lent until the Easter Vigil; nor is the Te Deum sung at OR on Sundays of Lent.
2. During Lent the altar should not be decorated with flowers, and musical instruments may be played only to give necessary support to the singing. On the Fourth Sunday of Lent (“Laetare”) and on solemnities and feasts, musical instruments may be played and the altar decorated with flowers.
3. If marriages are to take place during Lent, couples are to be reminded that the wedding plans should respect the special nature of this liturgical season; they should refrain from too much pomp or display.
4. The readings for the Lenten Masses have been chosen in relation to the themes of baptismal renewal and penance. The gospel and readings from the scriptures have been selected for their mutual relationship.
5. Optional Prayer over the People are given in the Roman Missal next to the Order of Mass. During Lent any one of these may be used in place of the usual simple blessing given at the end of Mass. The Ordo suggests specific blessing throughout the season.
6. It is fitting that the Lenten season conclude, both for the individual Christian as well as for the whole Christian community, with a penitential celebration, so that all may be helped to prepare to celebrate more fully the Paschal Mystery. Such a celebration should take place before the Easter Triduum. (cf. Misericordia Dei)