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Lenten Regulations Church law considers every Friday and the season of Lent as penitential time. The practice of penance is a part of our faith and Christian life. When we do penance, we imitate Jesus who Himself recommended it as necessary to His followers and gave them the example of His prayer and fasting. The Lenten obligation, as determined for Catholics in the United States by our bishops, requires that fasting be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. The law of abstinence from meat is to be observed on Ash Wednesday and all the Fridays of Lent. Who must fast? All Catholics who are between the ages of 18 and 59. The obligation ceases when one begins his/her 60th year. Who must abstain? All Catholics who are 14 years and older. What does fasting mean? The observance of fasting means that those obliged may take only one full meal on the day of fast. Two lighter meals (not equal to another full meal) are permitted if necessary to maintain strength according to one's needs. Eating solid foods between meals is not permitted. What does abstinence mean? The law of abstinence forbids the eating of meat. Voluntary abstinence refers to refraining from lawful pleasures in a spirit of penance. Can anyone be dispensed or excused from fast and/or abstinence? Individuals with just cause may be dispensed by a priest. Those who are ill or have a similar serious reason are excused from the observance of fast and abstinence. Catholics are reminded that they should not lightly excuse themselves rom this obligation. If they do so, they then need to compensate with prayer and other voluntary penance. Febuary 9 March 20 March 25 March 27 |