Joshua Bennett
Catholics observe the disciplines of fasting and abstinence (from meat) at various times each year, and on certain days of the week. While fasting is the reduction of one's intake of food, abstinence refers to refraining from something that is good but not inherently sinful, such as meat. Catholics are required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and abstain from eating meat on Fridays during Lent. However, Sundays during Lent are not prescribed days of fasting and abstinence, and it is ultimately a personal decision. While some sources recommend fasting on Holy Saturday, it is not obligatory according to Church Law in the Latin Church.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Days Catholics are required to fast | Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday (if possible) |
| Age group required to fast | 18–59 years old |
| Number of meals allowed during fast | One full meal and two smaller meals that do not equal a full meal |
| Age group required to abstain from meat | 14 years old and above |
| Days Catholics are required to abstain from meat | Fridays during Lent |
| Other forms of abstinence | Catholics also give up meals and donate the cost of those meals to Catholic Relief Services |
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What You'll Learn
Catholics must fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday
For Catholics, fasting is a practice in self-discipline with a penitential focus. In the context of Lent, it refers to reducing food intake and limiting the number of meals. Catholics are required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, with just one large meal. On these days, Catholics are also required to abstain from eating meat.
According to the 1983 Code of Canon Law, on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and where possible, throughout Holy Saturday, both abstinence and fasting are required of Catholics who are not exempted for various reasons. The law of fasting binds those who have attained their majority until the beginning of their sixtieth year. At that age, a person is automatically excused from the requirement to fast on these days but may choose to participate if health permits.
On days of mandatory fasting, Catholics may eat only one full meal during the day. Additionally, they may have two smaller meals, known as "collations". The Church requirements on fasting only relate to solid food, not drinks, so there are no restrictions on the amount of water or other beverages—even alcoholic drinks—that may be consumed.
Those aged 18 to 59, in reasonable health, are required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Children, adults with physical and mental illnesses, pregnant women, and those nursing are all exempt. It is stressed that "common sense should prevail" and that no one should jeopardize their health to fast.
In addition to fasting, Catholics are also required to abstain from meat on Fridays during Lent. This means that on Fridays during Lent, Catholics can have three full meals but must refrain from eating meat.
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Abstinence from meat on Fridays during Lent
Abstaining from meat on Fridays during Lent is a long-observed practice in the Catholic Church. While the practice is not strictly required, it is strongly encouraged, and those who can are expected to participate.
The Catholic Church teaches that all people are obliged to perform penance for their sins, and these acts of penance can be both personal and corporeal. Abstinence from meat on Fridays during Lent is one such act of penance. The practice is rooted in the belief that Jesus sacrificed his flesh on a Friday, and so abstaining from meat on Fridays is a way to honour Christ's sacrifice.
Historically, the Catholic Church prohibited eating meat on all Fridays throughout the year. However, the current law, promulgated in 1983, states that abstinence is to be observed on Ash Wednesday and on the Friday of the Passion and Death of Jesus Christ. The United States Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB) extended this law to include all Fridays during Lent, emphasising that Fridays throughout the year should remain days of self-denial and mortification in remembrance of the passion of Jesus Christ.
The practice of abstaining from meat on Fridays during Lent is also a form of asceticism, or self-denial, which is intended to help individuals grow in holiness. It is a way to recognise the abundance in our lives and to reflect on how many people live with much less.
It is important to note that the norms of abstinence from meat are binding upon Catholics aged 14 and older. Younger children are not required to abstain, but parents are encouraged to communicate the meaning and importance of penance to them. Additionally, individuals who are physically or mentally ill, pregnant, or nursing are exempt from the requirement to abstain from meat during Lent.
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Fasting rules around liquids
Catholics are required to fast on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and, where possible, throughout Holy Saturday. On these days, Catholics are allowed to eat one full meal and two smaller meals that do not add up to a full meal. In addition, Catholics are required to abstain from eating meat on Fridays during Lent.
Regarding liquids, there are no specific rules mentioned in the Church's regulations. However, it is important to maintain the spirit of fasting. Liquids with considerable food value, such as smoothies, are generally considered to break the fast. Beverages like coffee, tea, juice, and soda are typically allowed, although some may prefer to avoid raiding their liquor cabinet on fast days.
The norms on fasting for members of the Latin Catholic Church are obligatory for those aged 18 to 59. For those in the Latin Catholic Church, abstinence from meat is required starting at age 14. Members of the Eastern Catholic Churches are expected to follow the specific laws of their own sui iuris Church.
It is worth noting that Sundays during Lent are not prescribed days of fasting and abstinence, and individuals can make personal decisions regarding their observance. Additionally, the Lenten season is a time of penance, so opting for a modest meal at a parish over a lavish seafood feast is encouraged.
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Exemptions to fasting
Fasting is one of the three pillars of Lent, with prayer and almsgiving being the other two. The Catholic Church teaches that all people are obliged to perform some penance for their sins, and these acts of penance are both personal and corporeal. However, there are some exemptions to the fasting requirements.
The Code of Canon Law and the Constitution Sacrosanctum Concilium state that those aged 18-59 are required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Those aged 14 and older must abstain from meat on Fridays during Lent. According to the Code of Canon Law, children, adults with physical and mental illnesses, pregnant women, and those nursing are exempt from fasting. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) emphasizes that "common sense should prevail" and that no one should jeopardize their health to fast.
Members of the Latin Catholic Church are required to observe the laws of abstinence starting at the age of 14. Members of the Eastern Catholic Churches are to follow the particular law of their own sui iuris Church. The USCCB's Pastoral Statement on Penance and Abstinence provides norms for members of the Latin Catholic Church within the United States.
While Sundays during Lent are not prescribed days of fasting and abstinence, it is ultimately a personal decision for Catholics to make. It is recommended to opt for a modest meal at a parish instead of a lavish seafood feast at a fine restaurant.
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History of fasting rules
The history of fasting rules in the Catholic Church is a complex and evolving topic. The practice of fasting has been a cornerstone of Catholic tradition, with its roots traced back to the early Church and the Apostles themselves. According to Dom Gueranger, the Apostles instituted the forty-day fast, known as Lent, right after the Ascension of Christ. This period of preparation for Easter was considered sacred by Eastern Catholics, who referred to it as the "
Over time, the rules and regulations surrounding fasting and abstinence have undergone changes, reflecting the evolving nature of the Church's teachings. In the early Church through the 5th century, fasting was established as a spiritual discipline. The monastic fast, as outlined in The Rule of St. Benedict, was observed by monks who spent over half the year in a state of fasting. This tradition still resonates with armies of Christian soldiers who uphold it today.
The Middle Ages saw the universality of Lenten fasting, with countries like England adopting it during the reign of Earconberht, the king of Kent, influenced by St. Augustine of Canterbury's missionary work. During this period, fasting was mandated by both Church law and civil authorities. By the time of St. Gregory the Great in the 7th century, the Lenten fast was universally recognised to begin on Ash Wednesday, though the term "Ash Wednesday" was not coined until 1099 by Pope Urban II.
The laws of fasting and abstinence have evolved over the centuries, with the Church adapting its regulations to meet the needs of its followers. In the early 20th century, Church law mandated fasting throughout Lent, with abstinence on Fridays and Saturdays. However, countries like the United States had dispensations, allowing for partial abstinence, which permitted meat consumption once during the day.
In 1966, Pope Paul VI introduced a new set of regulations with his apostolic constitution, Paenitemini. These rules were later incorporated into the 1983 Code of Canon Law, which all Roman Catholics were expected to follow. The law of abstinence, which refers to refraining from meat, was made binding on Catholics from the day after their 14th birthday. The law of fasting, concerning the quantity of food consumed, applied to adults from their 18th birthday until midnight on their 59th.
While fasting rules have evolved, the underlying principles of penance, honouring the Virgin Mary, and spiritual discipline remain central to Catholic fasting traditions.
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Frequently asked questions
Catholics are not required to fast on the Sabbath (Saturday). However, they are required to fast and abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
Abstinence refers to refraining from eating meat. It is observed on Fridays during Lent and on Good Friday.
Fasting means a person is allowed to eat one full meal and two smaller meals that do not equal a full meal. The norms of fasting are obligatory for Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59.
