Winter Ember Days in 2025 will be on:
- Wednesday, December 17th
- Friday, December 19th
- Saturday, December 20th
Ember Days are days set aside by the Church for prayer, fasting, and penance. They occur four times a year, marking the changing of the seasons. The Winter Ember Days are traditionally observed after the feast of St. Lucy, which is on December 13th, during the week following the Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday).
Key Aspects of Winter Ember Days:
1. Purpose: Ember Days provide an opportunity for the faithful to give thanks for the gifts of creation, to pray for the needs of the Church, and to practice self-discipline through fasting and penance. They remind us of the cyclical nature of life and the need for ongoing conversion and renewal.
2. Liturgical Focus: The liturgy for Ember Days traditionally includes readings and prayers of penance and thanksgiving. It's a time to seek God's guidance, ask for His blessings on the Church, and express gratitude for the natural world.
3. Fasting and Abstinence: Traditionally, the faithful observe fasting and partial abstinence on Ember Days, offering these sacrifices for spiritual growth and the intentions of the Church.
4. Seasonal Reflection: Winter Ember Days are a time to reflect on the Advent themes of preparation for the coming of Christ. They encourage us to deepen our spiritual lives, offering our hearts in readiness for the joyful celebration of Jesus' birth.
5. Historical Roots: The practice of Ember Days dates back to early Christianity and was formalized by the Church to align with the agricultural rhythms of the year. They serve as quarterly reminders to sanctify the different seasons through prayer and penance.