Michael Brooks
Catholics are required to fast and abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, with additional abstinence from meat on Fridays during Lent. While the norms on fasting and abstinence are obligatory for Latin Catholics from ages 14 to 59, there is no upper age limit on abstinence. In the United States, the fasting requirement begins at age 18 and continues until the beginning of one's 60th year, after which a person may choose to stop fasting or continue if health permits. The absence of a specified age limit by the Catholic Church is likely due to varying definitions of elderly across cultures and the spiritual benefits associated with fasting.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Obligatory Days of Fasting and Abstinence | Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and Fridays during Lent |
| Norms on Fasting for Latin Catholic Church Members | From age 18 until age 59 |
| Norms on Abstinence from Meat for Latin Catholic Church Members | From age 14 onwards |
| Definition of "Elderly" | Varies across cultures and countries; no specific age defined by the Catholic Church |
| Canon Law on Receiving the Eucharist | The elderly, ill, and their caregivers are exempt from the one-hour rule |
| Fasting Requirements in the United States | From age 18 until the beginning of the 60th year |
| Non-Age Related Exemptions | Physically or mentally ill, pregnant or nursing women, common sense and health take precedence |
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What You'll Learn
Canon Law #919 §1 and §3
According to Canon Law #919 §1:
> Whoever is to receive the blessed Eucharist is to abstain for at least one hour before holy communion from all food and drink, with the sole exception of water and medicine.
This means that anyone who is about to receive the Eucharist, also known as Holy Communion, must not consume any food or drink in the hour leading up to the ceremony. The only exceptions to this rule are water and medicine. This law applies to all Catholics who are aged between 18 and 59.
Canon Law #919 §3, however, states that:
> The elderly and those who are suffering from some illness, as well as those who care for them, may receive the blessed Eucharist even if within the preceding hour they have consumed something.
This section of the Canon Law recognises that elderly people and those who are unwell may need to eat or drink within the hour before receiving the Eucharist. It also includes those who care for elderly or unwell people, understanding that their responsibilities may interrupt their ability to fast.
While this law does not specify an age at which a person becomes elderly, it does acknowledge that the definition of "elderly" varies across different cultures and countries. Some priests have suggested that 60 could be considered the age at which a person is exempt from the fasting requirement, but this is not officially stated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church or the Canon Laws.
The absence of a specific age limit in the Canon Law reflects the understanding that each person's health and circumstances are unique. While some people may find it difficult to fast after the age of 65, others may still be able to do so well into their 80s. Ultimately, the decision to fast or not for those over 65 is left to the individual, taking into account their personal health and well-being.
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No upper age limit
The Catholic Church has not stipulated an upper age limit on fasting, and there are several reasons for this. Firstly, the definition of "elderly" varies across different countries and cultures, with some considering 65 as the age of retirement or seniority, while others consider older people within their community as elders, even at the age of 50. As such, the Catholic Church has not set a universal age limit for fasting.
Additionally, the ability to fast can depend on an individual's health and well-being. While some people may find it challenging to fast after the age of 65, others may still be able to fast well into their 80s. As a result, the Church has not specified an age limit, allowing individuals to make their own decisions based on their personal circumstances.
Canon Law supports this flexibility by stating that "the elderly and those who are suffering from some illness, as well as those who care for them, may receive the blessed Eucharist even if they have consumed something within the preceding hour." This exemption for the elderly ensures that they are not restricted by fasting requirements if it becomes difficult for them.
Furthermore, the spiritual benefits of fasting are also considered. In the Pope's Lenten Message of February 3, 2009, he emphasised that fasting "can open our eyes to the situation in which so many of our brothers and sisters live." This suggests that the focus is on the act of fasting itself, rather than the age of the person fasting.
While there is no upper age limit, it is important to note that the specific norms and requirements for fasting within the Catholic Church may vary depending on the particular law of their own sui iuris Church. For example, members of the Latin Catholic Church in the United States are automatically excused from fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday at the beginning of their 60th year, according to Canon 1252 of the Code of Canon Law. However, they may still choose to participate in the fast if their health permits.
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Obligatory days of fasting
The Catholic Church has not stipulated an age at which elderly people can stop fasting, and there is no upper age limit on abstinence. While some people may no longer be able to fast after the age of 65, others can still fast at 85. The Catechism of the Catholic Church and Canon Laws do not specify an age, but some priests have suggested that people over 60 may be exempt. Canon Law #919 §3 states that "the elderly and those who are suffering from some illness, as well as those who care for them, may receive the blessed Eucharist even if they have consumed something in the preceding hour."
In the United States, the fasting requirement for Latin-rite Catholics begins at age 18 and continues until the beginning of their 60th year. At that age, a person is automatically excused from fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday but may still participate if their health permits.
Fasting is seen as a way to strengthen the mind and open one's eyes to the situations of those less fortunate. It is a period of self-discipline, self-control, and prayer, during which Catholics are called to renew their baptismal commitment and practice almsgiving.
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Self-discipline and almsgiving
For Catholics, Lent is a 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, starting on Ash Wednesday and ending at sundown on Holy Thursday. During this period, Catholics are called to practice self-discipline and fast in a variety of ways, including abstaining from meat on Fridays. This is done to prepare to celebrate the Lord's Resurrection at Easter.
The practice of self-discipline through fasting is intended to help Catholics seek the Lord and strengthen their minds. Pope's Lenten Message of February 3, 2009, states that fasting can "open our eyes to the situation in which so many of our brothers and sisters live." This spiritual benefit of fasting is believed to bring Catholics closer to understanding the suffering of others.
While there are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence, such as Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, the Catholic Church has not stipulated an age limit for fasting. This is because the definition of "elderly" varies across different cultures and countries, and some individuals may be able to fast well beyond the age of 65. As a result, the decision to fast after the age of 60 or 65 is left to the individual, taking into account their health and personal circumstances.
Almsgiving is an important aspect of Lent, where Catholics are encouraged to share God's gifts through the distribution of money, time, and talents. This practice is supported by St. John Chrysostom's teaching that "Not to enable the poor to share in our goods is to steal from them and deprive them of life. The goods we possess are not ours, but theirs." Catholics may also choose to enhance their Lenten fasting practice by donating the cost of their meals to organizations like Catholic Relief Services, helping those who do not have enough to eat.
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No stipulated age by the Catholic Church
The Catholic Church has not stipulated an age after which its followers are excused from fasting. While the general consensus is that the elderly are exempt from fasting, the Canon Laws and the Catechism of the Catholic Church do not specify a particular age.
There are several reasons for this. Firstly, the definition of "elderly" varies across cultures and countries. Some countries consider 65 years to be the retirement age, while in some cultures, people as young as 50 years old are considered elders. Thus, the Catholic Church's decision not to specify an age is likely due to the fact that the definition of "elderly" is not universal.
Secondly, the ability to fast depends on one's health, which can vary significantly between individuals. While some people may find it difficult to fast after the age of 65, others may still be able to fast well past the age of 85 and continue to receive the spiritual benefits of the practice.
According to Canon Law, "The elderly and those who are suffering from some illness, as well as those who care for them, may receive the blessed Eucharist even if they have consumed something within the preceding hour." However, the law does not define the age of the "elderly."
In the United States, the fasting requirement for Latin-rite Catholics begins at age 18 and continues until the beginning of their 60th year. At that age, a person is automatically excused from the requirement to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. However, they may still choose to participate in the fast if their health permits.
It is important to note that the Catholic Church emphasizes that even those who are not bound by the laws of fasting and abstinence due to their age should still be taught the true meaning of penance.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no upper age limit on abstinence, but in the United States, the fasting requirement for Latin-rite Catholics ends at 60. At that age, a person is automatically excused from the requirement to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, but they may choose to participate if health permits.
Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory fasting and abstinence days for Catholics. Catholics must also abstain from meat on all Fridays during Lent.
When fasting, Catholics are permitted to eat one full meal and two smaller meals that together do not equal a full meal.
