Last year, Bishop Douglas J. Lucia of the Diocese of Syracuse proposed that the Ember Days be observed in his Diocese for Eucharistic Devotion and for the increase of Vocations to the Priesthood. As we begin a New Year, let us plan to join our brothers and sisters up north by observing this devotion and the intentions for a deeper faith in the Presence of Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament and for Vocations to the Priesthood.

Ember Days traditionally are days of prayer and fasting that mark the changing of times and seasons for the purpose of deeper spiritual renewal among God’s people. On these days, the Church asks the faithful to offer such prayers and sacrifices to Our Divine Lord for various needs and/or to give thanks for blessings received.

As we participate in the National Eucharistic Revival, let us focus our prayer and sacrifices for a deeper belief and reverence for Our Lord, present in the Most Blessed Sacrament and for Vocations to the Priesthood in our Archdiocese.

The Ember Days for 2023 and prayer suggestions (in part, per the Diocese of Syracuse) are as follows:

March  (Spring – Lent)

March 1: pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet and fast/refrain from unnecessary verbal communication

March 3: pray the Stations of the Cross and fast from meat and eat only one full meal today.

March 4: pray the Litany to the Sacred Heart and fast from beverages other than water.

May (Summer)

May 31: pray the Scripture passage of the Last Supper (the Gospel of St. John, Chapters 14-17) and fast from meat today.

June 2: pray before the Blessed Sacrament by making a visit to your parish Church and fast by eating only one full meal today.

June 3: pray the Rosary and fast from unnecessary work today.

September (Fall)

September 20: pray the Anima Christi and fast/refrain from watching television or listening to the radio

September 22: pray the Memorare and fast from sweets and desserts

September 23: pray the Scripture passage of the Road to Emmaus (the Gospel of St. Luke 24:13-25)

December (Winter – Advent)

December 20: pray the Angelus and fast/refrain from using electronic devices

December 22: pray the Rosary and fast from meat today

December 23: pray the Litany of Loreto and fast from sweets today.