Ethan Walker
The Catholic Church observes fasting and abstinence at various times throughout the year, including Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday. During Lent, Catholics may eat only one full meal during the day, along with two smaller meals known as collations. The practice of having an evening collation, or small snack, became common by the 14th century. The Church's rules for fasting during Lent apply to Latin Rite Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59, who are required to abstain from meat on Fridays and to fast by limiting themselves to one meal a day on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. However, on the morning and evening of these two days, some exceptions may apply, as Pope Paul VI noted that the law of fasting does not prohibit taking some food in the morning and evening, following local customs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of Fasting | Reduction of one's intake of food |
| Definition of Abstinence | Refraining from something that is good, and not inherently sinful, such as meat |
| Obligatory Days of Fasting and Abstinence | Ash Wednesday, Good Friday |
| Obligatory Days of Abstinence | Fridays during Lent |
| Norms on Fasting | Obligatory for Latin Catholics aged 18-59 |
| Norms on Abstinence from Meat | Binding on Catholics aged 14 onwards |
| Number of Meals Allowed During Fasting | One full meal and two smaller meals that do not equal a full meal |
| Beverages During Fasting | Water, juice, coffee, tea, milk, and even alcoholic drinks are allowed |
| Eucharistic Fast | No food or drink except water or medicine one hour before receiving the Eucharist |
| End of Fasting | At sundown on Holy Thursday, marking the end of Lent |
| Purpose of Fasting | Penance, self-control, spiritual well-being, mastery over instincts, Preparation for liturgical feasts |
| Exemptions from Fasting | Physical or mental illness, pregnancy, nursing |
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What You'll Learn
Obligatory fasting days for Catholics
Fasting and abstinence are observed by the Catholic Church at various times throughout the year. For Catholics, fasting refers to reducing one's intake of food, while abstinence means refraining from consuming meat. According to the Catholic Church's teachings, all individuals are required to perform penance for their sins through acts of penance that are both personal and corporeal.
Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and Fridays during Lent are obligatory fasting and abstinence days for Catholics. Ash Wednesday, which falls on March 5, 2025, marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. During Lent, Catholics are encouraged to deepen their spiritual commitment by giving up luxuries and engaging in self-discipline. Good Friday, when Catholics commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus, is another obligatory day of fasting and abstinence.
On obligatory fasting days, Catholics are permitted to consume one full meal and two smaller meals, or collations, that do not equal a full meal. These restrictions apply only to solid food, and beverages, including water, tea, coffee, juices, and even alcoholic drinks, can be consumed without restriction. The norms of fasting are obligatory for members of the Latin Catholic Church between the ages of 18 and 59. Abstinence from meat is binding upon Catholics aged 14 and above.
In addition to these obligatory days, Catholics are also invited to voluntarily fast from food or worldly pleasures to deepen their spiritual commitment and enhance their Lenten practices.
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What constitutes a 'full meal'
Catholics observe the disciplines of fasting and abstinence from meat at various times throughout the year. Fasting refers to the reduction of one's intake of food, while abstinence refers to refraining from something good, but not inherently sinful, such as meat.
On obligatory fasting days, Catholics are permitted to eat one full meal and two smaller meals, known as "collations", that do not equal a full meal. These rules are obligatory for Catholics of the Latin Catholic Church between the ages of 18 and 59. Members of the Eastern Catholic Churches observe the particular laws of their own sui iuris Church.
The definition of a "full meal" is not specified in Canon Law, but it generally refers to a meal that satisfies one's hunger and provides adequate nutrition. It is worth noting that fasting rules only relate to solid food, not drinks, so Catholics are free to consume water or other beverages during fasting periods.
When it comes to what constitutes a full meal, it can vary depending on individual needs and preferences. A full meal typically includes a balance of macronutrients, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, to provide a sense of satisfaction and nourishment. For example, a bowl of soup or a well-prepared salad with beans, vegetables, and healthy fats can be considered a full meal. It is important to ensure that the two smaller meals do not collectively equal a full meal, maintaining the spirit of fasting and abstinence.
In addition to dietary restrictions, Catholics may also choose to observe non-dietary forms of abstinence during Lent, such as giving up text messaging or adopting the CRS Rice Bowl practice, where they give up meals and donate the cost of those meals to Catholic Relief Services.
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Liquids and fasting
Catholics observe the disciplines of fasting and abstinence from meat at various times each year, including Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday. During Lent, Catholics are permitted to eat one full meal and two smaller meals that do not equal a full meal. While the rules around liquids and fasting are not entirely clear, it is generally understood that liquids are allowed during fasting periods.
According to the traditional definition of fasting, Catholics may only eat one full meal during the day and two smaller meals, known as "collations". Church requirements on fasting only relate to solid food, and there are no restrictions on the consumption of liquids, including water and other beverages. However, it is important to note that liquids consumed during the main meal would be considered part of that meal.
The interpretation of the rules on liquids may vary, and some may choose to avoid certain liquids during fasting periods. For example, while water and juice are generally considered acceptable, raiding your liquor cabinet on a fast day may not be in the spirit of fasting. Additionally, liquids with a high caloric content, such as honey, milk, soup, or broth, may be considered more akin to food and, therefore, not allowed during fasting periods.
It is worth noting that the Catholic Church has always maintained that fasts should be observed in accordance with one's health and responsibilities. As such, individuals should use their best judgment when deciding what types of liquids to consume during fasting periods. The spirit of fasting is to practice self-control and seek a true inner conversion of the heart, so it is essential to keep this in mind when making decisions about what to consume.
In addition to the Lenten fast, Catholics must also observe the Eucharistic Fast, which involves taking nothing but water or medicine into the body for one hour before receiving the Eucharist. This rule was instituted by Pope Paul VI in 1964 and is a reduction from the previous requirement of three hours, instituted by Pope Pius XII in 1957.
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Exemptions from fasting
The Catholic Church observes the disciplines of fasting and abstinence from meat at various times each year. Fasting refers to the reduction of one's intake of food, while abstinence refers to refraining from something that is good but not inherently sinful, such as meat. According to the Church, all people are obliged to perform some penance for their sins, and these acts of penance can be both personal and corporeal.
The norms on fasting for members of the Latin Catholic Church 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 equal a full meal. The norms concerning abstinence from meat apply to members of the Latin Catholic Church from age 14 onwards.
- Physically or mentally ill individuals, including those with chronic illnesses like diabetes, are exempt.
- Pregnant or nursing women are also excluded from fasting requirements.
- People with physically demanding jobs, travellers, and students were historically considered exempt from fasting and abstinence.
- In certain countries, such as Ireland and the United States, dispensations were granted, allowing for adjustments or transfers of obligations regarding abstinence.
- In the early 20th century, fasting requirements were relaxed in many Catholic countries compared to the norms at the turn of the century.
- In 1957, Pope Pius XII reduced the Eucharistic Fast to three hours before receiving Communion, and in 1964, Pope Paul VI further reduced it to one hour.
- In 1985, the Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference decreed that Fridays throughout the year, except Good Friday, were not obligatory days of abstinence from meat if an alternative form of penance was practised.
- The law of fasting automatically excuses individuals once they reach the age of sixty, although they may still participate if their health permits.
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The purpose of fasting
Fasting is a powerful and fundamental part of the Christian life. God commanded it, Jesus practiced it, and the Church Fathers have preached its importance. The purpose of fasting is to put the created order and our spiritual life in balance, making more room for God in our lives. It is a safeguard for the soul, a companion for the body, and a weapon for the valiant. Fasting repels temptations, anoints unto piety, and teaches stillness.
Fasting is a Church-imposed penitential practice that denies food and drink during certain seasons and days. It is an act of self-denial that frees us from worldly distractions, expressing our longing for Jesus and imitating his suffering. Abstinence from meat is a common practice, and fasting refers to the reduced quantity of food consumed. Fasting is also about giving up comforts and entertainment, and in some Western countries, non-dietary forms of abstinence are encouraged, such as giving up text messaging.
The Catholic Church observes fasting and abstinence at various times of the year, with specific requirements for Latin-rite Catholics. During Lent, a 40-day season of prayer and almsgiving, fasting is practiced from Ash Wednesday to Holy Thursday at sundown. On obligatory fasting days, Catholics may eat one full meal and two smaller meals, known as "collations." Fasting is also required before receiving Communion, with a one-hour fast involving only water or medicine.
Fasting is a means of expiation for sin, and it is practiced in obedience to the general laws of the Church. It is seen as a form of penance, satisfying divine justice, and is a way to express our longing for Jesus and to imitate his suffering. Fasting is also about self-improvement and conversion, seeking to follow Christ's will more faithfully and freeing ourselves from worldly distractions.
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Frequently asked questions
The Catholic Church defines fasting as the reduction of one's intake of food. Fasting is associated with repentance and is often coupled with prayer.
Catholics are allowed to eat one full meal during the day and two smaller meals, known as "collations". The main meal is usually taken at midday, with a collation in the morning and evening.
Latin Rite Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59 are required to fast, unless they are physically ill, diabetic, or nursing/pregnant.
