Welcome back! Many of us have lapsed over the years and coming home is comforting and reassuring.
Lenten fast is quite misunderstood by most catholics. Initially, I 'gave up stuff' like in childhood. Over time, I began to 'add stuff' like daily recitation of the Rosary. With time, I've begun to carry certain lenten practices with me throughout the year.
*The other thing I find odd are the Friday feasts people have. Expensive sea food and gorging at fish fries seem out of place to me.*
Like substituting lobster for steak on Friday ;-)? These folks are only fooling themselves and actually know better. As our pastor noted last night, meatless Fridays holds little meaning for people who eat meat on the other 6 days of the week. The concept should be one where by the penitent takes the money saved from these sacrifices and gives it to charity. It is far better to give up 'tv news' or some other addictive or pleasurable activity and substitute an hour of prayer, reading scripture or visiting the sick than to sacrifice 'chocolate', especially when you don't normally do so the rest of the year.
Thanks, yes substituting Lobster for steak. Our pastor likes the idea of doing something for the poor rather than giving something up. Too many people use lent as an excuse rather than an opportunity.