Winter Ember Days

Advent really isn't Christmas yet . . . I'd like to invite those interested in learning more about traditional Ember days to the below resources. While Ember Days are voluntary since the 1983 Code of Canon Law, I think it is valuable to consider seriously traditions that existed since Apostolic Times, for nearly 2,000 years. Instead of asking, "why should I do that?" maybe the better question is "why shouldn't I do that?"

For 2014, the Ember days are:

• Wednesday Dec. 17, 
• Friday Dec 19, and 
• Saturday Dec. 20.

"Do Not Forget the Winter Ember Days"

"These times are spent fasting and partially abstaining (voluntary since the new Code of Canon Law) in penance and with the intentions of thanking God for the gifts He gives us in nature and beseeching Him for the discipline to use them in moderation. The fasts, known as "Jejunia quatuor temporum," or "the fast of the four seasons," are rooted in Old Testament practices of fasting four times a year." (Source: "Ember Days" at Fisheaters)

"Advent Embertide" at Fisheaters

"The Glow of the Ember Days" By Michael P. Foley (originally published in The Latin Mass Magazine) *** really excellent article ***

"Ember Days" at New Advent