Are Sundays a Part of Lent?

Sundays in Lent are not considered part of the forty (40) days of the Lenten season and therefore one is not required to uphold one’s Lenten penitence. For example, if you gave up eating desserts for Lent, you may have a piece of cake on a Sunday.

The forty days of Lent are considered to be Ash Wednesday through Holy Saturday (up until the Easter Vigil in which it becomes the Easter Season) not including the six Sundays throughout.

Why are Sundays not a part of Lent?

Sundays, even during Lent, are a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and are not part of the penitential season. We rejoice in the resurrection of the Lord on Sundays. If you feel that forsaking your Lenten sacrifices on Sundays is like cheating then you are encouraged to maintain your sacrifices. A person is certainly free to continue one’s Lenten sacrifices on Sundays, but the Catholic Church does not require anyone to do this.

Learn more about Lenten Penances

Learn more about the Dates of Lent

7 thoughts on “Are Sundays a Part of Lent?”

  1. i am very hungry now. Thanks fo the picture of the cake. But in all seriousness i had no idea that i could eat what i gave up for lent on sunday. now im going to eat as many fruit snacks as i possibly can

  2. Yummy yummy to the tummy! I want some of that! I didnt know that you could eat what you gave up on Sundays or else I would be eating A LOT of ice cream! 🙂

    1. I do not think the idea of not having to observe your Lenten obligation means you should gorge on ice cream, cake etc. It just means you are allowed to have some. The theme throughout Lent is Penance.

  3. That looks very good now I am starving. Please give me a piece or tell me where to buy that! Thank You for showing me this cake right before my Lunch!

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