Fasting and giving things up for Lent

[Merry]

I have some questions about Lent. I assume these will be answered at my RCIA program in the next few weeks, but I figure it can’t hurt to ask about it now.

I know about giving something up for Lent. Is this still more usually food, or more likely something else? Would I be better off choosing to give up TV (hardish), surfing the web (almost impossible), or chocolate (hardish)? Or something else? Is it okay to make exceptions? (For example, to get specific information online I know I will need, but that is not available now)

The idea that you eat/do/consume it for the last time on Shrove Tuesday and then don’t again until… Easter Sunday? Right?

I was doing a quick Google search, and found some mention of fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. This may sound silly, but what exactly does fasting mean? And I assume this doesn’t apply to my kids, right?

Fish on Fridays? I hadn’t realized that was still the norm during Lent. Does it have to be fish, or just no meat that day? Is it okay to eat bean dishes instead? Does it go against the spirit of the thing if the bean dishes happen to be a favourite with my family? If it has to be fish, our only regular fish meal is fish and chips, which seems like a treat, not a penance. I know my grandmother, who is Catholic, used to pan fry (and burn) fish for supper every Friday! My (atheist) father always jokes about my grandmother’s “burnt offerings”, and I think that has confused the issue in my mind.

Is there anything else important I am missing? I really want to fully experience this!

Thanks!

 

[1ke]

I know about giving something up for Lent. Is this still more usually food, or more likely something else? Would I be better off choosing to give up TV (hardish), surfing the web (almost impossible), or chocolate (hardish)? Or something else? Is it okay to make exceptions? (For example, to get specific information online I know I will need, but that is not available now)

Giving up something for Lent is a pious tradition, something to push ourselves and practice sacrifice, but it is not required. Keep that in mind. The only requirements of the Church are fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and abstaining from meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent.

You can “give up” whatever you like. Traditionally, on Sundays-- which are always feast days-- one can have the thing “given up” if desired.

I would suggest that you don’t entirely “give up” something like the internet, which would be difficult if you rely on it for information, have to use it for work, school, etc. Instead, limit to # of hours a day, only news and required information for work/school, certain sites, etc.

Remember, it’s the spirit of the penitential season, and there is NO requirement so if you slip, change your mind, etc, there is no sin attached.

The idea that you eat/do/consume it for the last time on Shrove Tuesday and then don’t again until… Easter Sunday? Right?

Basically, although I know a lot of people who skip Sundays as a “free day” since they are feast days, joyous days, and never a fast day.

I was doing a quick Google search, and found some mention of fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. This may sound silly, but what exactly does fasting mean? And I assume this doesn’t apply to my kids, right?

Fasting means one full meal and two smaller meals sufficient to maintain strength. No snacks in between, but you may have beverages. Also, this is proportionate to the type of work you do-- for example, manual laborers need more to “maintain strength” than an office worker. Those who are ill, pregnant, etc, are not required to fast.

Fasting binds everyone between 18 and 60. Abstinence from meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent bind those over the age of 14.

Fish on Fridays? I hadn’t realized that was still the norm during Lent. Does it have to be fish, or just no meat that day?

The law specifies abstinence from meat. It does not require one to eat fish. I hate fish. A cheese sandwich works for me.

Is it okay to eat bean dishes instead? Does it go against the spirit of the thing if the bean dishes happen to be a favourite with my family?

Yes, you can have a bean dish. And, yes, it is fine that your family likes this dish.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

I have some questions about Lent. I assume these will be answered at my RCIA program in the next few weeks, but I figure it can’t hurt to ask about it now.

I know about giving something up for Lent. Is this still more usually food, or more likely something else? Would I be better off choosing to give up TV (hardish), surfing the web (almost impossible), or chocolate (hardish)? Or something else? Is it okay to make exceptions? (For example, to get specific information online I know I will need, but that is not available now)

The idea that you eat/do/consume it for the last time on Shrove Tuesday and then don’t again until… Easter Sunday? Right?

I was doing a quick Google search, and found some mention of fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. This may sound silly, but what exactly does fasting mean? And I assume this doesn’t apply to my kids, right?

Fish on Fridays? I hadn’t realized that was still the norm during Lent. Does it have to be fish, or just no meat that day? Is it okay to eat bean dishes instead? Does it go against the spirit of the thing if the bean dishes happen to be a favourite with my family? If it has to be fish, our only regular fish meal is fish and chips, which seems like a treat, not a penance. I know my grandmother, who is Catholic, used to pan fry (and burn) fish for supper every Friday! My (atheist) father always jokes about my grandmother’s “burnt offerings”, and I think that has confused the issue in my mind.

Is there anything else important I am missing? I really want to fully experience this!

Thanks!

Fridays in Lent are meatless, fish is not required. (unless you are going to collapse and be hospitalized because you didn’t get the daily pork chop your used to)

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are ALSO days of Fast only one full meal and two smaller meals that don’t add up to another full meal. (unless you are going to collapse and be hospitalized because you didn’t get the daily 4500 calories your used to)
For me this is odd because I usually don’t eat “meals” I just sort of “graze” a little here and a little there, all day long.

Lent is a penitential season so we are to do something as a personal penance, Most people find something that is not a good habit to begin with and “give it up for Lent”. But that also means you can do something extra for God.

 

[Walter_Casler]

Hi,
What I like to do instead of giving something up for Lent is, doing something that will bring me closer to God. I tend to use Lent as a retreat. I find that if you give up something for Lent, you’ll be back doing that again after Easter. So why not do something that will stay with you, like make it a point to pray the Rosary everyday. Or do the Stations of the Cross every Friday. Or even read the Gospels at night before bed.
If you want to give up something, try giving up something that you do that is keeping you from being humble. Pray for someone who makes you mad or drives you crazy at work.
Good luck with RCIA, I did it 10 years ago and it was the best time of my life. Two years later my wife joined the RCIA program and became Catholic, I’m now her Godfather, It’s so cool the way God has things happen.
Maybe this will help a bit.

God Bless.
Walt

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

I know about giving something up for Lent. Is this still more usually food, or more likely something else? Would I be better off choosing to give up TV (hardish), surfing the web (almost impossible), or chocolate (hardish)? Or something else? Is it okay to make exceptions? (For example, to get specific information online I know I will need, but that is not available now)

There are actually three aspects to Lent: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

Many people focus on the fasting aspect, either by giving up some type of food, or by giving up something like TV or movies during Lent. But you might also want to try one of the other facets. Go to Mass an additional day a week, participate in prayers that your parish may offer (the rosary, Eucharistic adoration, or Stations of the Cross, for example), do some spiritual reading each day (read the biography of a saint, perhaps), go on a retreat. Or perhaps this is a time to focus on the needs of others, joining with the St. Vincent de Paul Society or another group to help the needy, or donating money to a charity you like.

The point of Lent is to deepen our spiritual lives and prepare us for the glory of Easter. There are a number of ways we can do that.

I was doing a quick Google search, and found some mention of fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. This may sound silly, but what exactly does fasting mean? And I assume this doesn’t apply to my kids, right?

This page from the US Catholic bishops has info on the regulations regarding fasting and abstinence.

There are two days a year when we are required to fast, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. As the bishops say:

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of universal fast and abstinence. Fasting is obligatory for all who have completed their 18th year and have not yet reached their 60th year. Fasting allows a person to eat one full meal. Two smaller meals may be taken, not to equal one full meal. Abstinence (from meat) is obligatory for all who have reached their 14th year.

Fridays in Lent are days of abstinence meaning we don’t eat meat:

Fridays in Lent are obligatory days of complete abstinence (from meat) for all who have completed their 14th year.

Fish on Fridays? I hadn’t realized that was still the norm during Lent. Does it have to be fish, or just no meat that day? Is it okay to eat bean dishes instead? Does it go against the spirit of the thing if the bean dishes happen to be a favourite with my family? If it has to be fish, our only regular fish meal is fish and chips, which seems like a treat, not a penance. I know my grandmother, who is Catholic, used to pan fry (and burn) fish for supper every Friday! My (atheist) father always jokes about my grandmother’s “burnt offerings”, and I think that has confused the issue in my mind.

You’re not required to eat fish, merely to stay away from meat. Macaroni and cheese, quiche, or a peanut butter sandwich would all be fine.

 

[Merry]

Thanks so much for all of your replies!

I am particularly intrigued by the suggestion of going to daily mass. It is something that I keep considering, but frightens me slightly, as I would have to bring my two little boys all alone! But it has been something I keep thinking about trying. I think that making a commitment to do it once or twice a week during Lent would be a really good idea, and maybe we will mange to continue into the future!

A follow up about fasting. If you are eating a standard north American diet, with breakfast, a sandwich type lunch and largest meal in the evening, what is the standard meal to keep? I have never done any fasting or anything like it! I admit missing food always makes me a little nervous! Practically speaking, skipping breakfast seems like a sensible choice (I did it all the time in my youth!), but then do people normally have a small snack at lunch and a full meal at supper? Given that I am at home with the kids, I could have a main meal at lunch, and send something big for my husband, who will be at work. And it sounds like it should be meat-free too? Is that right?

Thanks again!

 

[1ke]

A follow up about fasting. If you are eating a standard north American diet, with breakfast, a sandwich type lunch and largest meal in the evening, what is the standard meal to keep?

That’s your decision.

You do not have to “skip” breakfast. Just eat less. Maybe instead of 2 pieces of toast you eat 1. Instead of 2 eggs you have 1. Maybe you just have a bowl of cereal instead.

You can have a small meal at lunch, not a “snack” but maybe instead of a sandwich and chips you have just a sandwich. Or a bowl of soup.

You can decide if your full meal will be breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It can change by the day.

When you are fasting, it has to do with the **quantity **of food you eat, not the type of food you eat. So, no, it does not have to be meatless.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

When you are fasting, it has to do with the **quantity **of food you eat, not the type of food you eat. So, no, it does not have to be meatless.

Except that on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday – the two days we are required to fast – we are also required to abstain from meat.

If you are fasting on other days then including meat in your meal is up to you.

 

[BVM_1221]

I have some questions about Lent. I assume these will be answered at my RCIA program in the next few weeks, but I figure it can’t hurt to ask about it now.

I know about giving something up for Lent. Is this still more usually food, or more likely something else? Would I be better off choosing to give up TV (hardish), surfing the web (almost impossible), or chocolate (hardish)? Or something else? Is it okay to make exceptions? (For example, to get specific information online I know I will need, but that is not available now)

The idea that you eat/do/consume it for the last time on Shrove Tuesday and then don’t again until… Easter Sunday? Right?

I was doing a quick Google search, and found some mention of fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. This may sound silly, but what exactly does fasting mean? And I assume this doesn’t apply to my kids, right?

Fish on Fridays? I hadn’t realized that was still the norm during Lent. Does it have to be fish, or just no meat that day? Is it okay to eat bean dishes instead? Does it go against the spirit of the thing if the bean dishes happen to be a favourite with my family? If it has to be fish, our only regular fish meal is fish and chips, which seems like a treat, not a penance. I know my grandmother, who is Catholic, used to pan fry (and burn) fish for supper every Friday! My (atheist) father always jokes about my grandmother’s “burnt offerings”, and I think that has confused the issue in my mind.

Is there anything else important I am missing? I really want to fully experience this!

Thanks!

1. Giving up something extra for Lent is a sort of tradition, but not really required. You can always talk this over with your Spiritual Director (if you have one), or with your Priest, or with some other Religious. It should not be something that might impose a hardship on your family and friends
2. Fasting in the Catholic Church tradition requires eating only ONE moderate meal per days. An extra-large pizza with all the toppings, for just one person, might not be considered a moderate meal

In addition to the moderate meal, one may have up to two small snacks (collations) that do not add up to the one full meal. Fasting can be dispensed with if you become physically or mentally debilitated. Our bodies are Temples of the Holy Spirit, not to be damaged by excessive fasting. Feeling hungry is OK, but one should still be able to function 100%. If not, don’t fast from food, fast from something else.:tsktsk:

Some of us, including me, fast more often then required. But I do it with the permission of my Spiritual Director, AND under the watchful eye of my Physician.

1. All Fridays in Lent are days of abstinance. This means no warm, red-blooded meats. Fish, other seafood, dairy, eggs, soy, beans and grains are quite OK. The symbolism is that Christ shed his warm, red blood on Friday, so we abstain from doing that on Fridays. For me, I have this family owned and run Mexican restaurant, where I can order two cheese encheladas with rice and beans. I do this about once per month.

As a bachelor, I do not offer burnt offerings up to God anymore. This is due to my microwave oven. I have no idea how bachelors like me survived before the invention of the microwave oven.

By the way, it used to be traditional that ALL Fridays were days of abstinance. Outside of Lent, this is no longer the case. One may substitutre some other form of penance in place of abstinance. I don’t bother, because I am too lazy. I just abstain every friday, Lent or not.

As a member of the Confraternity of Penitents, I observe all days in Lent (except Sundays and Solemnities) as days of fasting. But again, my Physician checks on me every now and then to make sure I am not overdoing it.

And always remember that God is not a beauraucrat. God wants a humble heart much more then outward shows of penance. Jesus took the Pharasees to task for their outward shows of fasting and other mortifications meant more to impress others then out of love for God.

 

[latin_rite]

For lent i give up all meat except for fish. But after about 15/20 days of fish im so sick of it i usally go vegiterian for the last 20/25 days.

 

[Merry]

An addendum to my question: I have recently discovered that I am pregnant! Should I still attempt to fast for Ash Wednesday? I will, of course, still not eat any meat. That isn’t a problem. I have never fasted before, and I was excited by this challenge.

I am not honestly sure how I will feel in the next two weeks. Morning sickness is just kicking in.

Would it be reasonable to attempt to fast, but not do so if it became clear that my body won’t cooperate?

Thanks for any advice!

 

[baltobetsy]

An addendum to my question: I have recently discovered that I am pregnant! Should I still attempt to fast for Ash Wednesday? I will, of course, still not eat any meat. That isn’t a problem. I have never fasted before, and I was excited by this challenge.

I am not honestly sure how I will feel in the next two weeks. Morning sickness is just kicking in.

Would it be reasonable to attempt to fast, but not do so if it became clear that my body won’t cooperate?

Thanks for any advice!

Wow - congratulations on the baby!

When I was in early pregnancy, I was so sick (all day long) that there were some days I could only bear to consume a “water slushie.” My DH put ice and water in the blender and served it to me. I think that qualified as fasting!

Some people get all excited about fasting in pregnancy, but realistically, what the Church requires is pretty moderate and is only two days, with a long time in between. If you were to ask a non-Catholic doctor, “May I fast during Lent?” he’d flip out, thinking you’re talking about living on next to nothing for several weeks. If you asked the same doctor, “May I eat lightly for a day and then another day several weeks later?” he’d probably have no problem with that. If you got the stomach flu, you’d eat less than you’d eat fasting and not think twice about it.

I think it’s very reasonable to give the fast a try, being sure to make nutritious choices for what you do eat. When you fast, you are permitted to have beverages between meals, so a glass of milk could be good for you and the baby. And if you can’t do it, you can’t do it. No harm, no foul.

And, technically, you are not bound to fast because you’re not actually Catholic yet. It’s great to hear of your enthusiasm for trying it now.

God bless you and your baby!

Betsy

 

[aspirant]

An addendum to my question: I have recently discovered that I am pregnant!

Congratulations!

Should I still attempt to fast for Ash Wednesday?

Eating less food than you normally eat on that day should be OK as long as the baby is receiving the nutrition he or she needs. If there are any questions or concerns, consult a doctor.

 

[SMHW]

As others have said, congratulations!

Pregnant women are not required to fast but you are certainly welcome to do so if you are able. If you have problems with morning sickness then maybe you won’t want to eat much. But if you usually have to eat lots of small snacks (like crackers) in order to avoid major nausea then I don’t recommend fasting.

You could always try fasting from something else that day that you would not otherwise be giving up for Lent. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday would be good days to avoid those things like the internet since it’s only for a day at a time.

 

[choy]

CONGRATULATIONS!

by my knowledge, pregnant women and the sick are exempted from fasting for the obvious reasons. know your limits, don’t risk your or your baby’s health for this. remember, your baby is God’s gift to you, and its your obligation to keep your baby healthy

my wife who is also pregnant gets naucious when she doesn’t have enough to eat, especially early in the morning. there are many factors in a pregnancy that would mean you’d need to keep a constant food intake.

 

[fabricdragon]

congratulations!

fasting is NOT required for those who are pregnant.
you MAY do so, as long as it does not harm you or the baby… but you absolutely are not required to.

i love beans. so yes it seems a bit odd that i “give up meat” and eat beans on Friday, but i have found that its partly a …how to say this…
yes
“sanctifying time”
by forcing me to keep track of “oh, its friday. no meat” i am setting this day aside and having to think about it. if nothing else that has value.

 

[helpmero]

Instead of giving something up, you may also “take something on”. I plan on doing a personal consecration to the Blessed Mother during Lent. Others I know go to start to Perpetual Help Devotions or Eucharistic Adoration, for example. However, neither giving up, nor taking on is reqired of Catholics.