The Lenten Season
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Lent 2026 - Prayer | Fasting | ALmsgiving
Ash Wednesday (February 18) through the start of the Holy Thursday Liturgy (April 2)
As Catholics, we are encouraged to make the sacrament of confession a more significant part of our spiritual life during Lent.
Check out our confession guide if you haven't been in a while.
Click below to view the Lenten penance times in your area.
PENSACOLA | FORT WALTON | PANAMA CITY | TALLAHASSEE
Days of Abstinence
No meat can be eaten on Ash Wednesday and all of the Fridays during Lent. This applies to all Catholics 14 and older. Seafood and animal byproducts such as milk, eggs, butter, etc. are permitted.
Days of Fast
Only one full meal is permitted on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday for Catholics between 18 and 59. Two smaller meals are permitted, but the small meals should not equal a second full meal. Drinking coffee, tea and water between meals are allowed. Snacks between meals are not allowed.
Days of Lent
Apart from fasting, prayer and almsgiving are to be continually practiced throughout this season. Make a special effort to find moments throughout the day to enter into dialogue with the Lord. Look for opportunities or plan occasions where you can give alms to those most in need.
For a comprehensive guide to the 2026 Lenten season, with suggested prayers, devotionals, calendar, and other interesting information,
check out the website of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. -
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2026 Lenten Penance services AND MISSIONS
Looking for Lenten missions across the diocese? Visit ptdiocese.org/events and scroll through the calendar to see what is being offered.
If your parish is hosting a Lenten mission please submit that at ptdiocese.org/submitevent.Below is a list of Lenten penance services across the diocese. Please continue checking back for updates. Please call your parish if days/times are not listed.
Pensacola
Little Flower, Pensacola: Thursday, March 19 at 6:30 p.m.
St. John the Evangelist, Pensacola: Wednesday, March 18 at 6:00 p.m.
St. Paul, Pensacola: Tuesday, March 24 at 6:00 p.m.
Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Pensacola: Wednesday, March 25 at 6:00 p.m.
St. Jude Thaddeus, Cantonment: Friday, March 27, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
St. Rose of Lima, Milton: Tuesday, March 24 at 6:00 p.m.Please continue checking back for updates.Fort Walton Area
Christ Our Redeemer, Niceville: Monday, February 23 at 6:30 p.m.
Holy Name of Jesus, Niceville: Monday, March 16 at 6:30 p.m.
Resurrection, Miramar Beach: Thursday, March 19 at 6:30 p.m.
St. Mary, Fort Walton Beach: Monday, March 23 at 6:00 p.m.
Please continue checking back for updates.Panama City Area
St. Joseph, Port St. Joe: Wednesday, March 18 at 5:30 p.m.
St. Bernadette, Panama City Beach: Wednesday, March 18 at 6:00 p.m.
St. Theresa, Sunny Hills: Monday, March 2 at 4:00 p.m. & Monday, March 30 at 4:00 p.m.
Please continue checking back for updates.Tallahassee Area
St. Louis, Tallahassee: Thursday, March 12 at 6:30 p.m.
Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More, Tallahassee: Thursday, March 26 at 7:00 p.m.
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Last updated February 19, 2026