Ember days are traditionally set aside four times a year for prayer, fasting, and abstinence. Each succession of three days (a Wednesday, Friday and Saturday) is associated with a feast day and occurs close to a change of season.
Though fasting and abstinence are no longer required, ember days provide opportunities to offer thanks to God for the gifts of the seasons, to deepen our prayer lives, and to prepare for times of celebration.
Here’s a traditional rhyme to remind you when ember days occur: Lenty, Penty, Lucy, Crucy.
Spring ember days in the northern hemisphere occur at the beginning of Lent on the Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday after Ash Wednesday.
Ideas:
- Plan a spring garden or pilgrimage
- Contact a local nursing home and offer to read aloud to a resident whose vision has declined
- Make a large pot of soup to freeze and share with someone who is sick or not feeling well
- Donate new and gently used contents of overstuffed closets and cluttered shelves to local thrift stores
Summer Ember Days occur on the Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday after Pentecost Sunday.
Ideas:
- Create and share a simple arrangement of summer flowers
- Pray for newly ordained priests in your diocese and all clergy taking on new parish assignments
- Pray a rosary for the Holy Father
- Share vegetables from your garden or a local farm with neighbors or a local monastery
Fall ember days occur on the Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday after September 14, the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.
Ideas:
- Give thanks to God for all that He has given you this year
- Observe the mid-September Harvest Moon
- Learn about the stars and observe the wonder of God’s creation at a local stargazing event
- Make a local pilgrimage or plan a pilgrimage for next Spring
Winter ember days occur on the Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday after December 13, the feast of St. Lucy.
Ideas:
- Offer your fasting and prayers for those in need
- Make a donation to a local food bank or homeless shelter using the money you are saving on food.
- Make and send greeting cards to prisoners or those in nursing homes
- Offer to help an elderly person write and send holiday cards to family members or friends