What are Ember Days?
The Ember Days are an ancient tradition of the Church—special days of prayer, fasting, and thanksgiving that mark the changing of the seasons. Observed four times a year—during Advent, Lent, Pentecost, and September—these days call us to step away from the busyness of life and attune our hearts to God’s providence in creation.
The word “Ember” is believed to come from the Latin Quattuor Tempora, meaning “Four Times.” Rooted in early Christian practice and influenced by Jewish traditions of seasonal fasting, the Ember Days were formally established by the Church in the first millennium. They serve as an opportunity to give thanks for the gifts of the earth, pray for the Church, and prepare spiritually for the new season ahead.
This year, the Lenten Ember Days fall on:
- Wednesday, March 12
- Friday, March 14
- Saturday, March 15
Traditionally, the Lenten Embertide is a time to give thanks for the promise of spring and to seek God’s grace for the season of growth ahead. As the natural world begins to stir from winter’s dormancy, these days remind us to prepare our hearts for the renewal and spiritual awakening that Lent calls us to embrace.
A Tradition Rooted in Our Parish
At St. Patrick Parish, Fallowfield, the Spring Embertide holds special significance. Our parish was built on the faith and hard work of farmers—many of whom still tend the land today. The Ember Days remind us that all the blessings of the earth come from God’s hand. They invite us to gratitude, not only for the fruits of creation but for the rich spiritual heritage we have received from those who have gone before us.
For centuries, the faithful have observed these days by offering prayers for a bountiful harvest, seeking God’s protection from natural calamities, and fasting in solidarity with those who rely on the land for their sustenance. In an age where many are disconnected from the rhythms of the natural world, the Ember Days call us back to an awareness of our dependence on God’s providence.
A Time to Pray for Vocations
The Lenten Embertide has also long been a time of special prayer for the Church and her priests. Since at least the fifth century, the Church has used these days to ordain new clergy, highlighting the connection between the work of the land and the work of the Church. Just as farmers prepare the soil for a fruitful harvest, the Church prays that vocations to the priesthood and religious life may take root and flourish.
Today, the need for such prayers is more urgent than ever. As the Church faces a growing vocation crisis, we must fervently pray for new vocations and for our priests and religious leaders to be strong, faithful, and holy servants of the Lord. Just as spring brings renewal to the earth, may our prayers bring renewal to the Church—through holy vocations, faithful priests, and hearts turned to God.
Project 2033: Praying for Renewal
As our parish embarks on its journey of renewal leading to the two-thousandth anniversary of Christianity, the Lenten Embertide presents a powerful opportunity to pray—and, if you choose, to fast—for the future of our parish.
This week, let us lift up Father Paul, Deacon Mark, our parish community, and all for those who work the land. As we honour the legacy we have inherited, may we also seek God’s blessing for the years ahead. May our prayers strengthen our parish, deepen our faith, and inspire a new generation to answer the call of God in their lives.
In observing the Ember Days, we reconnect with a sacred tradition that reminds us of our dependence on God, the beauty of creation, and the importance of fostering vocations. May this time of prayer and sacrifice bear fruit in our own hearts and in the life of the Church.
Let us take up the call to prayer and fasting, trusting that, through God’s grace, we may see a new season of spiritual renewal and growth in our parish and beyond.
