Ember Wednesday during the Octave of Pentecost

What are Ember Days?

According to the Saint Andrew Daily Missal, the start of the four seasons of the year begins with Ember weeks, liturgical periods that date back as earlier (if not earlier than) the 5th century. Their present dates were fixed in the 12th century by St. Gregory VII. They are "to consecrate to God the various seasons in Nature and to prepare those who are about to be ordained" (p. 99).

The Ember Days consist of three fast days: Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. This week's Ember Days are always during the octave of Pentecost, when the "Church offers up to God the first-fruits of the new season, and prays for the priests who, on the coming Saturday, are about to receive the Holy Ghost in the Sacrament of Holy Orders" (p. 718).

Here is also a nice explanation of Ember Days by a homeschooling mother at Family in Feast and Feria.

How does this work in the home?
Today we are fasting, and we said thanksgiving prayers for the summer season and for the strawberries God has given us this this month. We also pray for the priests about the be ordained, especially soon-to-be Father Bergida from our parish.