What are the fasting and abstinence rules for Lent?

In the Latin Church, Catholics abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and every Friday of Lent. Catholics from age 18 through age 59 must also fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

What abstinence means. Abstinence means not eating meat from warm blooded animals, such as beef, pork, chicken, or turkey. Fish, shellfish, eggs, dairy products, and foods made with animal fat or broth are generally permitted under the universal law. Catholics who have completed their fourteenth year are bound by abstinence, and there is no universal upper age limit (Canon 1252). Choosing an expensive seafood feast may satisfy the letter of abstinence while missing its penitential spirit.

What fasting means. The customary Catholic fast allows one full meal and two smaller meals that together do not equal another full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted, but liquids are allowed. Fasting binds those who have reached age 18 until the beginning of their sixtieth year (Canon 1252). Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are the required fast days (Canon 1251).

Who is excused. The Church does not require fasting or abstinence when it would seriously harm health or interfere with a genuine duty. Those who are ill, frail, pregnant, nursing, or dealing with an eating disorder may be excused. A worker whose demanding labor requires adequate food may also have a just reason. When uncertain, a Catholic can ask a pastor and choose another suitable penance. Parents should teach younger children the meaning of penance even before the law formally binds them (Canon 1252).

Why the Church requires it. Fasting disciplines bodily desires and joins Catholics to Christ's sacrifice. Abstinence gives the whole Church a shared act of penance. Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving express conversion toward God, oneself, and one's neighbor (CCC 1434). The Church identifies Lent and Fridays as especially appropriate times for these practices (CCC 1438). Christ expects His disciples to fast, but commands them to do so without seeking admiration (Mt 6:16-18).

Beyond the minimum. The legal requirements are a floor, not a complete Lenten plan. Catholics may give up other foods, entertainment, unnecessary spending, or habits that hinder prayer. Sundays are part of the liturgical season of Lent, but the Church does not prescribe fasting on them. A person may continue a voluntary Lenten sacrifice on Sundays, and no rule requires breaking it.

Mark Ash Wednesday, every Lenten Friday, and Good Friday on your calendar. Plan simple meals beforehand, connect the sacrifice with prayer, and give what you save to someone in need.