Friday abstention

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I’m a recent convert, and have a question about required observations: I have a standing Friday evening get-together with several friends, where the default supper is pizza for all–pretty much always with some manner of meat included. To compensate for the non-observance of the traditional Friday abstinence from meat, I usually say a rosary. My question is: is that an acceptable substitute for the Friday abstention, or am I on the wrong track?
 
I’m assuming you’re in the United States, where the bishops have allowed Friday abstinence to be substituted with another penance. Yes, what you’re doing is fine.

-Fr ACEGC
 
In the United States, Fridays during Lent are still obligatory days of abstinence. (source)
 
Well, yes, and I refrain from meat during Fridays in Lent come what may. I was just trying to inquire about what forms of abstinence or penance are acceptable substitutes for the traditional (non-Lent) Friday abstinence from meat, if any.
 
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Friday abstinence from meat is meant to be a hardship of penitential nature. As one who abstains, I can assure you that it is sometimes a real pain in the posterior. Imagine if it were the rule (as it was pre-Vatican II). Pick something of a similar hardship. If your rosary is a hardship to pray, then you are on the right track. Only you can decide.

Patrick
AMDG
 
They reinstated it in the uk after the visit of Pope Benedict for every Friday and I really hate it. Guess am on the right track haha 🙂
 
Not to argue with you Father, but I have read that, strictly speaking, under Canon law, no Friday penance to replace abstinence has been mandatory outside Lent in the US since 1966 (or rather, the “alternative” penance was never obligatory). For years I was under the impression that I was supposed to make some other sacrifice (for example—make a donation to the Parish poor box) if I chose to eat meat, but apparently that isn’t the case. (I still prefer to do it—but it isn’t an obligation, from what I have read)
 
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halogirl said:
They reinstated it in the uk after the visit of Pope Benedict for every Friday and I really hate it. Guess am on the right track haha 🙂
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Yes, but only to a certain extent. It’s not like it was before, when it was a mortal sin (because of disobeying).

Failure to abstain from meat on a Friday in England and Wales since the request from the Bishops does not rise to the level of mortal sin, as was made clear in the Briefing Q & A notes given to the Press at the time.
 
From a strictly legal standpoint, that’s true. I was just offering that if the OP wants to substitute a penance for Friday abstinence, the rosary is a fine thing to do.
 
Good to know because in land locked states and countries, the fish is usually frozen!
 
What country do you live in? This varies from country to country.
 
I’m in America, so the good Father’s advice above is relevant to my situation. Thanks to one and all!
 
I think saying a Rosary is a good idea! I was also going to suggest that you offer to pick up a cheese pizza and some chips or some alternative that you could have while also sharing with others?

Have fun at your outing!
 
But, if we have a non-diabetic weight problem, we can skip a meal. We need more fasting in the US!
 
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