Guidelines for Fasting and Abstinence During Lent

Roman Catholics are asked abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday and on all Fridays during Lent.   The rule of abstinence from meat is for Catholics aged 14 and onwards, unless there are mitigating heath concerns.  In this case, one is able to do a good work in place of this.

On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, we are also asked to fast (for those 18 to 59).   Fasting means a person is permitted to eat one full meal during the day. Two smaller meals may also be taken, but they are not to equal that of a full meal.  For those with mitigating health issues who are unable to fast and/or abstain, one is able to do a good work in place of these.  

While those are the only two days of full fasting and abstinence required, all of Lent should be a time of spiritual formation and preparation for Easter.  Also recommended are spiritual activities, such as spending more times studying the Scriptures, attending Mass more frequently, as well as the traditional Lenten Devotions (Stations of the Cross, Bible studies, Lenten talks and the Rosary), and other acts of sacrifice such as reaching out to those in need around us.