“The Ember Days are set aside by the Church as a way to mark the passage of seasons through prayer and fasting. As you may suspect, this happens four times a year: in winter, after the feast of St. Lucy; in spring, after Ash Wednesday; in summer, after Pentecost Sunday; and in fall, after Holy Cross Day. An old English rhyme states: “Fasting days and Emberings be / Lent, Whitsun, Holyrood, and Lucie.” These are days for prayer and fasting, specifically prayer for clergy and ordinations, as well as taking care of the needy. They are days to be attentive to the givenness of God’s created order in the passage of the seasons.” Source.
As you pray for clergy and ordination during the Ember Days and find that you would like to know more about the discernment process for holy orders, please contact Fr. Jonathan or Eric.