Topic: Regulations about fasting and abstaining from meat

Source of this posting: Newman Parish bulletin

Date originally posted: February 10, 2002

Moderator who originally posted this source: P.Leach

Question:  What, as a Catholic college student, do I need to do about fasting and not eating meat during Lent?

Answer:

Nineteen hundred years ago, many Christians celebrated a Lent that lasted 40 hours. The 40 hours before the Easter Liturgy was time for strict fasting in preparation for this great celebration. In the centuries since, Lent has grown to 40 days. The fasting rules have changed and numerous other spiritual exercises have been added.

Every century has given Lent its own character. In the days after the Second Vatican Council, the church has preserved two days of fasting for Lent, and in the United States, the church has kept all Fridays of Lent as days of abstinence.

As we celebrate Lent, the following practices will be observed:

Ash Wednesday, February 13, 2002, and Good Friday, March 29, 2002, are days of fast and abstinence. Fridays of Lent are also days of abstinence.

Fasting is to be observed by all 18 years of age and older, who have not yet celebrated their 59th birthday. On a fast day one full meal is allowed. Two other meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to each one’s needs, but together they should not equal another full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted, but liquids, including milk and juices, are allowed.

Abstinence is observed by all 14 years of age and older. On days of abstinence no meat is allowed. Note that when health or ability to work would be seriously affected, the law does not oblige. When in doubt concerning fast and abstinence, the parish priest should be consulted.

Fasting, almsgiving, and prayer are the three traditional disciplines of Lent. The faithful and catechumens should undertake these practices seriously in a spirit of penance and of preparation for baptism or of renewal of baptism at Easter.