Lenten Fast & Abstinence: a quick review

What is Lent?

Lent is the 40-day period from Ash Wednesday leading up to Easter. It is marked by prayer, fasting & abstinence, almsgiving and acts of penance to draw closer to God, detach from the things of this world and grow in spiritual discipline.

What is fasting and abstinence?

Fasting in the Roman Catholic Church is eating one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal.

Abstinence is refraining from eating meat, aka, the flesh and organs of mammals and fowl.

When do I fast and abstain?

Fast & Abstain on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday Abstain on all Fridays of Lent.

Who is required to fast and abstain?

Fasting is obligatory from age 18 through 59; abstinence from age 14 onwards. Note: persons exempt from fasting include the physically or mentally ill, individuals with chronic illness, and pregnant or nursing women.

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