Grace Thompson
Fasting is an important practice in the Catholic Church, with adherents fasting and abstaining from certain foods during specific periods, such as Lent, Ember days, and vigils. While the rules and traditions surrounding Catholic fasting have evolved over the centuries, there are still obligatory days of fasting and abstinence. So, how often should Catholics fast, and what are the guidelines they need to follow?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age group for fasting | 18 to 59 years |
| Age group for abstinence | 14 years and above |
| Number of meals allowed per day during fasting | One full meal and two smaller meals that do not equal a full meal |
| Obligatory days of fasting and abstinence | Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday |
| Obligatory days of abstinence | Fridays during Lent |
| Days of fast and abstinence in a year | 4 days |
| Days of partial abstinence | Ember days (Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday) |
| Days without abstinence | Sundays and solemnities |
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What You'll Learn
Fasting during Lent
Fasting is a common practice during Lent for Catholics, who traditionally abstain from certain foods and reduce their food intake. This religious practice is rooted in the belief that Jesus expected his followers to fast, as described in the Bible (Acts 13:2–3; cf. 14:23). The act of fasting is seen as a form of penance, self-denial, and spiritual improvement, helping Catholics express their reliance on God and recognise the importance of spiritual matters.
During Lent, Catholics over the age of 14 are required to abstain from eating meat on Fridays, Ash Wednesday, and Good Friday. Historically, abstinence from meat also included meat by-products, but this is no longer the case. Fish, lobsters, and other shellfish are allowed on days of abstinence, and many Catholic parishes in the United States sponsor fish fries during Lent. However, Catholics are encouraged to avoid indulging in lavish seafood buffets as it goes against the spirit of abstinence.
In addition to abstinence, Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59 are expected to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Fasting involves eating one full meal and two smaller meals that do not exceed the quantity of a full meal. The fast on Good Friday is ideally continued until the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night, commemorating the suffering and death of Jesus.
While fasting, Catholics are encouraged to focus on prayer and giving alms. They may experience irritability, crankiness, and frustration, but they are advised to quiet themselves before God and seek guidance through prayer, as exemplified by King David in Psalm 69. Fasting during Lent is a humbling experience that reminds Catholics of their reliance on God and their calling to serve others.
For beginners, it is recommended to start slowly, perhaps by fasting on the designated days of Ash Wednesday and Good Friday or choosing to fast every Friday of Lent. It is important to set realistic expectations and focus on personal goals rather than comparing oneself to veteran fasters who may have built up their endurance over time.
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Obligatory fasting days
In addition to these specific days, Catholics are required to abstain from meat on all Fridays unless the Friday coincides with a holy day of obligation. This practice is common in the United States and is known as "partial abstinence," allowing meat only once during the day at the main meal.
Historically, the number of fast days during the liturgical year varied and could include up to 70 days. Sundays and solemnities have never been considered days of fasting. In the 20th century, fasting was often reduced to just four days of the year: Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, the vigil of Christmas or the day before, and the vigil of the Immaculate Conception.
Today, many sectors of Catholicism have further relaxed their rules, with some Catholics only fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
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Exemptions from fasting
Age
According to the Code of Canon Law, fasting is obligatory for those who have attained their majority, or from the age of 18 until the beginning of the sixtieth year. At the age of 60, a person is automatically excused from fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, although they may still choose to participate if their health permits.
Health
Those who are physically or mentally ill, including individuals with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, are generally exempt from fasting and abstinence. This is to ensure that ill persons do not further jeopardize their health by fasting.
Pregnancy and Nursing
Pregnant and nursing women are also exempt from fasting and abstinence.
Physically Demanding Work
People with physically demanding jobs, such as manual laborers, are considered exempt from fasting and abstinence.
Travel and Students
Those who are traveling and students are also traditionally considered exempt from fasting and abstinence.
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Reasons for fasting
Catholics observe fasting and abstinence during certain seasons and on specific days. Fasting is an act of self-denial that frees individuals from worldly distractions, expresses their longing for Jesus, and imitates his suffering. Abstinence, on the other hand, traditionally meant refraining from consuming meat.
Spiritual Discipline and Dependence on God
Fasting is a spiritual discipline that helps Catholics recognize their dependence on God and affirm their willingness to submit to His will. It is a humbling experience that reveals their reliance on God in their weakness. Fasting expresses the recognition that spiritual matters take precedence over physical needs. By denying themselves physical pleasures, individuals learn an important spiritual lesson about self-denial and embracing pain.
Solidarity with the Suffering
Fasting is a way to embrace hunger willingly, symbolizing a readiness to shoulder the burdens of others. It is an act of solidarity with those who suffer and go without food, expressing humility before God.
Penance and Almsgiving
Fasting is a form of penance, often practiced during the penitential season of Lent, as a way to expiate sins. It is accompanied by almsgiving, where Catholics are encouraged to calculate the money saved during fasting and donate it to the poor.
Prayer and Spiritual Growth
Fasting is closely linked with prayer. While some may argue that fasting frees up time for prayer, others suggest that true fasting embraces hunger as a spiritual exercise. Fasting can lead to irritability and frustration, but Catholics are encouraged to quiet themselves before God and seek solace in prayer, as exemplified by King David in Psalm 69.
Physical Purification
While not the primary reason for Christian fasting, some believe that fasting can have beneficial physical effects, such as removing toxins from the body. However, for this to be effective, the duration and frequency of fasting would need to be carefully considered.
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What to eat when fasting
For Catholics, fasting is obligatory from age 18 until age 59. On fasting days, Catholics are permitted to eat one full meal and two smaller meals that do not equal a full meal.
On Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and all Fridays of Lent, Catholics aged 14 and above must abstain from consuming meat. This includes chicken, although eggs and liquid chicken broth without pieces of meat are allowed. On these days, many Catholics choose to eat fish instead of meat.
In addition to these fasts, Catholics also observe the Eucharistic Fast, which involves taking nothing but water or medicine for one hour before receiving the Eucharist.
It is important to note that the Catholic Church offers exemptions to those who are unable to fast due to health concerns or other reasons.
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Frequently asked questions
Catholics traditionally fast for the entire 40 days of Lent. They also abstain from eating meat on Fridays and Saturdays during this period. Outside of Lent, Catholics are required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and abstain from eating meat on all other Fridays.
Fasting involves eating fewer and smaller meals than usual. Catholics who fast will typically eat one normal meal and two smaller meals that do not add up to a full meal.
Yes, the physically or mentally ill, including those with chronic illnesses, are exempt from fasting. Pregnant or nursing women are also exempt. People over the age of 60 are automatically excused from fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday but may choose to participate if their health permits.
Fasting is seen as a way to express humility before God and to recognise one's dependence on Him. It is also a form of penance and self-denial, helping Catholics to free themselves from worldly distractions and imitate the suffering of Jesus.
Catholics are permitted to eat fish, amphibians, reptiles, shellfish, and animal-derived products such as gelatin, butter, cheese, and eggs.
