Fasting Question

[Anchor]

Hello,

I has a question regarding fasting. Are there different levels of fasting or does fasting mean one meal a day and that’s it? As far as “different levels of fasting”, what I mean is does skipping breakfast but having lunch and dinner count as fasting? Or skipping lunch but having breakfast and dinner? Or does having all three but eating less food at each meal and no snacks during the day count as fasting?

Just trying to figure out if there is a defined set of rules or something like that for fasting.

Thanks!

 

[michaeldaniels]

There have been different types of fast throughout Church history…with the most rigorous being the Black Fast. This form of fasting, the most rigorous in the history of church legislation, was marked by austerity regarding the quantity and quality of food permitted on fasting days as well as the time wherein such food might be legitimately taken.

Read about all the different types here:

newadvent.org/cathen/05789c.htm

newadvent.org/cathen/02590c.htm

 

[giuseppeTO]

The current formula generally followed is:

Three meals per day with no food or drink in between except water.
The meals should consist of two smaller meals and a larger meal. The two smaller meals should not, if taken together, be bigger than the large meal.

In keeping with the spirit of fasting, the large meal should not be a feast, but rather a modest meal. You may include meat at the main meal if abstinence is not also required (Ash Wed, Good Friday, and the Fridays of Lent).

You should not fast on the sabbath (Sundays), even during Lent.

 

[Mrs_Sally]

The fasting instructions as given by my parish are:

Fasting is observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday by all Catholics who are 18 years of age but not yet 59. Those bound by this rule may take only one full meal. Two smaller meals are permitted as necessary to maintain strength according to one’s needs, but eating solid food bewteen meals is not permitted.

It goes on to say:

During Lent, the Church encourages attendance at daily Mass (prayer), self-imposed times of fasting (fasting), and genorosity to local, national, and worldwide programs of sharing (almsgiving).

 

[Malleus_01]

On a Day of Fast - we are allowed Three Meals. One Main Meal and two lesser meals (Essentially Snacks) the sum total of the lesser meals not being equal to the Main Meal.

As the title implies - we are fasting. Foregoing food as a penance.

No in between meals snacks are allowed.