Catholic Fasting and Abstinence Rules Explained

Fasting is a spiritual discipline that helps us detach from worldly comforts and hunger for God. Here are the current rules for Roman Catholics (Latin Rite).

The Difference Between Fasting and Abstinence

• Fasting: Refers to how much food you eat.
• Abstinence: Refers to what kind of food you eat (specifically, avoiding meat).

When Must Catholics Fast?

Days of Fasting:

1. Ash Wednesday
2. Good Friday

The Rule: On these days, you may eat one full meal, plus two smaller meals that together do not equal a full meal. No snacking between meals. Who: Catholics aged 18 to 59. (Those with medical conditions are exempt).

When Must Catholics Abstain from Meat?

Days of Abstinence:

1. Ash Wednesday
2. Good Friday
3. All Fridays of Lent

The Rule: No meat (mammals and birds). Fish, reptiles, and shellfish are allowed. Who: Catholics aged 14 and older.

What About "Regular" Fridays?

In the United States, every Friday of the year is a day of penance.

• Historically, Catholics abstained from meat on all Fridays.
• Currently, outside of Lent, you may substitute another penance (like a Rosary, volunteering, or giving up something else) instead of giving up meat. However, giving up meat is still recommended.

Why Do We Do This?

We fast and abstain to unite our small sacrifices with the perfect sacrifice of Christ on the Cross. It is an act of love, repentance, and self-discipline.