Rachel Evans
Catholics observe fasting and abstinence during Lent, a 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Thursday. On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, Catholics are required to fast and abstain from eating meat. Additionally, they must abstain from meat on all Fridays during Lent. However, there are some differences in the specific practices followed by Catholics, with some choosing to abstain from meat on all Fridays outside of Lent as well. While fasting refers to reducing food intake, abstinence refers to refraining from something that is good but not inherently sinful, such as meat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Days Catholics are supposed to fast | Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and where possible, throughout Holy Saturday |
| Age limit for fasting | 18-59 years |
| Number of meals allowed on fasting days | One full meal and two smaller meals that do not equal a full meal |
| Days Catholics are supposed to abstain from meat | All Fridays during Lent, Ash Wednesday, and Good Friday |
| Age limit for abstinence | 14 years and older |
| Other days Catholics may be required to fast | Wednesdays during Ember days and Lent |
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What You'll Learn
- Catholics are required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday
- Catholics must abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday
- Catholics are exempt from fasting if they are ill or have demanding jobs
- Catholics are encouraged to give up meals and donate to Catholic Relief Services
- Catholics are required to fast on Ember Days, which occur four times a year
Catholics are required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday
On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, Catholics are allowed to eat one full meal and two smaller meals that do not equal a full meal. This is in addition to abstaining from meat on these days. The practice of fasting is intended to be a form of self-discipline and a reminder of our dependence on God. It is also a way to foster spiritual growth and a sense of community within the Church.
The specific norms regarding fasting and abstinence vary depending on the tradition within the Catholic Church. For members of the Latin Catholic Church, the norms on fasting and abstinence from meat are obligatory from age 18 until age 59. For Catholics aged 14 and older, abstinence from meat is required on Fridays during Lent, and they may choose to eat fish instead.
While fasting is obligatory for Catholics on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, there are exceptions. The Church emphasizes that health comes first, and adjustments can be made for those with health issues or physical demands. It is recommended to consult with a priest or spiritual leader for guidance.
In addition to fasting from food, Catholics may also choose to fast from other habits or activities, such as TV, social media, or gossip, to focus on their spiritual growth and dependence on God.
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Catholics must abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday
Catholics observe Ash Wednesday and Good Friday as obligatory days of fasting and abstinence. On these days, Catholics are allowed to eat one full meal and two smaller meals that do not amount to a full meal. In addition to fasting, Catholics must also abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, as well as on all Fridays during Lent.
Fasting is a biblical discipline that is observed by Catholics during the Lenten season, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday. This practice is rooted in the Old and New Testaments, with Christ instructing his disciples to fast (Mt 9:14-15) and providing guidelines for doing so (Mt 6:16-18). Catholics emulate this by holding a partial fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
Abstinence from meat is a specific practice observed by Catholics on Good Friday to commemorate Christ's Crucifixion. This tradition is supported by the biblical account of Daniel, who abstained from "delicacies, meat, or wine" for three weeks (Daniel 10:2-3). Catholics choose to eat fish instead of meat on Fridays during Lent, including Good Friday, as fish is considered a symbol of Christ.
While fasting and abstinence are obligatory for Catholics, the Church emphasizes that health comes first. The fasting rules are intended to be fulfilled by any healthy person, and adjustments are permitted for health and physical demands. Catholics are encouraged to consult their Parish priest or spiritual father for guidance if needed.
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Catholics are exempt from fasting if they are ill or have demanding jobs
Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory fasting and abstinence days for Catholics. In addition, Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence. For members of the Latin Catholic Church, the norms on fasting are obligatory from age 18 until age 59. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal and two smaller meals that do not add up to a full meal. The norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding upon members of the Latin Catholic Church from age 14 onwards.
However, large classes of people are considered exempt from fasting and abstinence. These include the sick and those with physically demanding jobs, as well as people who are travelling and students. Exemptions also apply to pregnant or nursing women. In all cases, common sense should prevail, and ill persons should not jeopardize their health further by fasting.
The number of days that require fasting has been greatly reduced by the Episcopal Conferences, as they have the authority under Canon 1253 to determine the local norms for fasting. In the early 20th century, Church law prescribed fasting throughout Lent, with abstinence only on Fridays and Saturdays. Some countries received dispensations, such as in 1918 when Rome allowed the bishops of Ireland to transfer the Saturday obligation to Wednesday.
In addition to the fasts mentioned above, Catholics must also observe the Eucharistic Fast, which in the Latin Church involves taking nothing but water or medicine.
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Catholics are encouraged to give up meals and donate to Catholic Relief Services
Fasting is a practice in self-discipline with a penitential focus. It is a way for Catholics to reduce their food intake and limit the number of meals they have. On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, fasting rules allow Catholics to eat only one full meal and two smaller meals that, when combined, do not equal a full meal. Catholics are also expected to refrain from eating meat on these two days and on all Fridays during Lent.
According to the Catholic Church, all people are obliged by God to perform some penance for their sins, and these acts of penance are both personal and corporeal. Bodily fasting is meaningless unless it is accompanied by spiritual avoidance of sin. The Church requires all Catholics between the ages of 14 and 59 to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Those who are in good health and within this age range should only eat one full meal and two smaller meals that do not equal a full meal.
In addition to fasting, Catholics are encouraged to give alms, which is considered one of the three pillars of Lent, along with prayer and fasting. Giving alms is a way to share God's gifts, not only through the distribution of money but also through the sharing of time and talents.
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Catholics are required to fast on Ember Days, which occur four times a year
Catholics are not required to fast on every Wednesday. However, they are required to fast on Ember Days, which occur four times a year, specifically on the Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday of each season.
Ember Days are three days of fasting and abstinence that occur four times a year, after Ash Wednesday, Pentecost, the Exaltation of the Cross (September 14), and St. Lucy's Day (December 13). The Ember Days are intended to be a time of prayer and fasting, where Catholics can give thanks for the blessings they have received and reflect on their need for penance and grace. It is also a time to appreciate the good things in God's creation and to pray for vocations.
The discipline of fasting is considered meaningful when observed regularly throughout the year. While Ember Days are no longer formally part of the Catholic liturgical calendar, many Catholics continue to observe them in their homes and parishes as a way to stay connected to the liturgical year. Fasting on Ember Days is not mandatory, but it is encouraged as a way to honour nature's gifts and practice self-denial.
Historically, all Roman Catholics were required to fast on twelve Ember Days, with three days dedicated to each change of season. However, in 1966, Pope St. Paul VI lifted the obligation for Catholics to fast on these days. While the requirement has been relaxed, Catholics are still encouraged to voluntarily fast and engage in acts of penance and self-denial throughout the year.
During fasting, Catholics are permitted to eat one full meal per day, along with two smaller meals that do not equal a full meal. Abstinence, which refers to refraining from something good like meat, is also observed on Ember Days and other designated days throughout the liturgical year.
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Frequently asked questions
Catholics are supposed to fast on Ash Wednesday, which is one of two yearly days of obligatory fasting and abstinence.
On Ash Wednesday, Catholics are allowed to eat only one full meal and two smaller meals that do not equal a full meal. They are also required to abstain from eating meat.
Yes, Catholics are also required to fast on Good Friday, and on all Fridays during Lent.
