Friday Sacrifice

[StevieD]

Since the abolition of the rule of abstinence on Fridays, it is suggested that Catholics undertake some form of sacrifice each Friday. I make such a sacrifice but realised that I was receiving a financial benefit from it (I was spending less). So I decided to donate the money saved to a charity. Could I encourage fellow Catholics to do the same if they are not already? Could I also suggest that if you are not already passing on such a financial benefit that you consider donating to the Missionaries of the Poor (just google them and take a look at their work on Youtube).

 

[Della]

I can see nothing wrong with such an idea, however it should only be a suggestion. Each person should decide for himself what penance is best for him. Also, there are many fine Catholic missions/apostolates one can donate to. It’s fine to mention your favorite, but not make it seem others aren’t just as worthy–not that that is your intention, of course.

 

[StevieD]

I can see nothing wrong with such an idea, however it should only be a suggestion. Each person should decide for himself what penance is best for him. Also, there are many fine Catholic missions/apostolates one can donate to. It’s fine to mention your favorite, but not make it seem others aren’t just as worthy–not that that is your intention, of course.

Thanks, I was already clear on those points.

 

[Della]

Thanks, I was already clear on those points.

I figured as much. It’s just that the written word can be rather bare-boned. I just thought you’d want to flesh out your idea a bit–to help others understand where you are coming from. :tiphat:

 

[StevieD]

I figured as much. It’s just that the written word can be rather bare-boned. I just thought you’d want to flesh out your idea a bit–to help others understand where you are coming from. :tiphat:

Thanks once again, the words “suggest” and “consider” leap out at me, if not you. I don’t care where the money goes, I am just trying to do something to reduce the number of hungry mouths.

 

[MarieVeronica]

Since the abolition of the rule of abstinence on Fridays, it is suggested that Catholics undertake some form of sacrifice each Friday.

Hi “Stevie”. Your idea of contributing extra income to charity is a great one! In addition to the Missionaries of the Poor… I would also suggest contributions to Father Frank Pavone of “Priests for Life”; in his ministry to end the scourge of abortion. You can donate online at “Priests for Life”… or through the regular mail.

In regards to the section of paragraph that I “quoted” above, I just wanted to say that the rule of abstinence from meat on Fridays, was never abolished. It remains, as Canon Law clearly states:

Canon 1251* Abstinence from eating meat or another food according to the prescriptions of the conference of bishops is to be observed on Fridays throughout the year unless (nisi) they are solemnities; abstinence and fast are to be observed on Ash Wednesday and on the Friday of the Passion and Death of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

I think sometimes, there is confusion because it was allowed for other forms of penance to be substituted, a determination to be made by the conference of bishops. But the problem is, that many people in the Church don’t realize that the “no meat on Friday” rule still exists. They just say… “Oh, we can eat meat on Friday now” and they dive into a steak on Friday… but they don’t do another form of penance. I know this for a fact, from discussions I’ve had with people in my own parish. Of course, it’s not up to us to judge whether or not a person IS doing another form of penance. But I’ve been surprised by the amount of people who don’t realize that if they’re going to eat meat… they need to substitute another penance on Friday.

There have been other discussions about this, on CAF. And I didn’t mean to hi-jack your thread, “Stevie”. Sorry. I just wanted to point out, that the abstinence from meat on Friday rule still exists.

God bless.

 

[StevieD]

Hi “Stevie”. Your idea of contributing extra income to charity is a great one! In addition to the Missionaries of the Poor… I would also suggest contributions to Father Frank Pavone of “Priests for Life”; in his ministry to end the scourge of abortion. You can donate online at “Priests for Life”… or through the regular mail.

In regards to the section of paragraph that I “quoted” above, I just wanted to say that the rule of abstinence from meat on Fridays, was never abolished. It remains, as Canon Law clearly states:

Canon 1251* Abstinence from eating meat or another food according to the prescriptions of the conference of bishops is to be observed on Fridays throughout the year unless (nisi) they are solemnities; abstinence and fast are to be observed on Ash Wednesday and on the Friday of the Passion and Death of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

I think sometimes, there is confusion because it was allowed for other forms of penance to be substituted, a determination to be made by the conference of bishops. But the problem is, that many people in the Church don’t realize that the “no meat on Friday” rule still exists. They just say… “Oh, we can eat meat on Friday now” and they dive into a steak on Friday… but they don’t do another form of penance. I know this for a fact, from discussions I’ve had with people in my own parish. Of course, it’s not up to us to judge whether or not a person IS doing another form of penance. But I’ve been surprised by the amount of people who don’t realize that if they’re going to eat meat… they need to substitute another penance on Friday.

There have been other discussions about this, on CAF. And I didn’t mean to hi-jack your thread, “Stevie”. Sorry. I just wanted to point out, that the abstinence from meat on Friday rule still exists.

God bless.

No problem, MarieVeronica, thanks very much for your (name removed by moderator)ut. My understanding is that we are required to undertake some form of penance on Fridays and that abstinence from meat is one option - Is that correct? I asked a priest about this recently and he seemed to think that any penance undertaken on a ‘normal’ Friday was voluntary (not my understanding). I am old enough to recall Friday abstinence but, as I prefer fish to meat, that never seemed much of a sacrifice personally. It occurs to me though that if we can get some Catholics who don’t appreciate the current requirements not only to offer a little sacrifice but also donate the financial benefit to a worthy cause, then a lot of good charities could benefit and good Catholics get the spiritual benefits of a little weekly sacrifice - win win! Thanks again

 

[MarieVeronica]

My understanding is that we are required to undertake some form of penance on Fridays and that abstinence from meat is one option - Is that correct?

Exactly, God bless!