Fasting & Abstinence
Scripture and the church call the faithful to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, as expressions of conversion in relation to oneself, God and others. Alongside the radical rebirth brought about through baptism, these practices aim to assist the Christian in truly living the new life to which they are called.
Therefore, in the church’s practice, the custom of observing a fast or abstaining from some particular item(s) or practices, serves as a preparation for the various liturgical feasts and helps to attain mastery over our instincts.
|
• Abstinence from meat: Catholics in the United States age 14 and older (with no maximum age) are obliged to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, the Fridays of Lent and Good Friday. Church law forbids use of meat, but does not prohibit eggs, milk products or condiments made with animal fat.
|
|
|
|
• Fasting: Catholics in the United States, from the day after their 18th birthday until the day after their 59th birthday, are obliged to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
Church law allows for only one full meal a day, but does not prohibit the taking of some food in the morning and evening. The combined quantity of the two meals should not exceed the quantity eaten at the full meal. The drinking of ordinary liquids does not break the fast. Note: People taking medication or with health concerns should follow their doctor’s advice on fasting.
Catholics are also reminded they should fast from solid food for one hour before receiving the Eucharist.
|
|
|
|
• Prayer/almsgiving: Abstinence and fasting should lead Catholics to a deeper prayer life. Almsgiving provides an opportunity for a deeper understanding and response to the needs of the poor.
|
Universal church law also indicates that every Friday throughout the year is to be observed as a day of penance. Since Vatican Council II the bishops of the United States have never specified a particular penance for these days, but the universal law still applies. It is left to the individual to choose the form this penance takes. Examples include works of charity, exercises of piety, and other acts of self-denial.
In the dioceses of the United States, January 22, the anniversary of the Supreme Court decision Roe vs. Wade, is observed as a particular day of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion.
