Ember Days

Ember days are a tradition that was established in the early Church. They consist of a Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday set aside for prayer and fasting at the beginning of every season. The intention of these days is “to thank God for the gifts of nature, to teach men to make use of them in moderation, and to assist the needy,” (Catholic Encyclopedia) and each set is associated with a particular harvest. The Ember Days fall on: the Third Week of Advent; the First Week of Lent; the week after Pentecost and the Third Week in September (that’s this week: the 20th, 22nd, and 23rd). Traditionally, Ember Wednesdays and Saturdays are observed with abstinence while Ember Fridays are observed with fasting and abstinence. Mandatory observance for these days stopped in 1966 but the traditional practices are still observed by many who wish to “go the extra mile” and give thanks to the Lord for all He has given us!