Fasting and Abstinence During Lent

As Catholics we are called to make personal sacrifices this Lent. We are called to be united in two practices in common with the whole church: fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and abstinence from meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent.

Fasting is only required of Catholics ages 18 - 59, where we are limited to only one full meal and two smaller meals, as necessary to maintain strength, but no solid foods between meals. Abstinence is to be observed by all Catholics 14 and older there is no upper limit since this is easier to do. These challenges remind us of God’s love for us.