Ember Days.

Ember Days, are a period of prayer and fasting in the liturgical calendar of Western Christian churches. The Ember Days are observed four times a year, following the following days: Holy Cross Day (September 14), Feast of St. Lucy (December 13), First Sunday in Lent, and Pentecost (Whitsunday). 

  • Ember Wednesdays – Fasting and Partial Abstinence
  • Ember Fridays – Fasting and Abstinence
  • Ember Saturday – Fasting and Partial Abstinence

Keeping with Tradition

Catholics who have access to the traditional liturgy outside of Sundays should make a special point to assist at Mass on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday of this week. In addition to keeping the fasting and abstinence prescriptions on these days, the faithful should be attentive to the special collections and readings that are assigned on these days. Here, for instance, are the Collects from Wednesday, which properly capture the spirit of these days.