The Ember Day for Advent will be on Wednesday, Dec. 3. An Ember Day is a day set aside for prayer and fasting.

Archbishop John G. Vlazny instituted Ember Days in the Archdiocese of Portland in 2002 as days for prayer for victims of child sexual abuse.

Archbishop Vlazny specified that Ember Days in the Archdiocese be celebrated three times each year: in the Advent Season before Christmas, in the Lenten Season before Easter and in the fall.

To fast means to eat only one full meal.

The other two meals should be less than the normal amount unless they are already at the minimum for good health.

Eating between meals is not permitted, but liquids are allowed.

Parishes are encouraged to plan their own prayerful celebrations on the Ember Day for Dec. 3.