Many of us are familiar with the practice of "giving something up" for Lent. Even non-Catholics will give up their favorite treats or comforting habits during Lent. While giving something up for Lent isn't a requirement, the practice is good when we do it to train ourselves to resist temptation and grow more reliant on God.

However, the concept of Lenten sacrifice is bigger than just giving up chocolate or coffee. Adult Catholics are expected to participate in days of fasting and abstinence. We can also sacrifices of our time and effort by serving others and serving the Church.  

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. For members of the Latin Catholic Church, the norms on fasting are obligatory from age 18 through 59. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two small snacks (that together are not equal to a full meal).

Those that are excused from fast outside the age limits include the physically or mentally ill, including individuals suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes. Also excluded are pregnant or nursing women.

A day of abstinence is a day on which Catholics fourteen years and older are required to abstain from eating meat.

Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and Fridays during Lent are all days of abstinence.

If you have questions about your obligations to fast or abstain, please reach out to Fr. Juan José or Fr. Nicholas.