August 28, 2003

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information, Contact:
Bud Bunce (503) 233-8373
bbunce@archdpdx.org

Archbishop calls for Day of Fasting and Prayer

        Archbishop John G. Vlazny has named Wednesday, September 17, 2003 as the
Ember Day for fall. An Ember Day is traditionally a day of prayer and fasting.
Archbishop Vlazny has asked that Catholics pray for healing and reconciliation in the
Church and for those who have been sexually abused. Archbishop Vlazny will
celebrate a Mass of Healing at St. Mary Church (1062 Charnelton St,) in Eugene at 7:00
p.m. on that day.

        Archbishop Vlazny re-established Ember Days in the Archdiocese of Portland
last year. Ember Days are set-aside for prayer, fasting, and abstaining from meat.
Archbishop established for Ember Days to be held in the Archdiocese of Portland in
September, Advent (the liturgical season before Christmas), and in Lent (the season
before Easter). Archbishop has celebrated prayer services in conjunction each Ember
Day. St. Mary Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception hosted the first Ember Day
service last September. Holy Redeemer parish in Portland hosted the prayer service in
December, and St. Joseph parish in Salem was the site for the Lenten prayer service.

        Observance of the Ember Day is encouraged, but not obligatory for Catholics in
western Oregon. To fast means to eat only one full meal; the other two meals that day
should be less than the normal amount unless they are already at the minimum for good
health. Eating between meals is not permitted; however, liquids including coffee, milk
and fruit juices are allowed. Abstinence refers to not eating meat on this Ember Day.

        Catholics are invited to join Archbishop Vlazny at St. Mary's Church in Eugene at
7:00 p.m. on September 17 for the Mass of Healing and Reconciliation.

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