Laws of Fasting

[Rana]

I know fasting is far from now, but i would like to know what exactly are the rules of the catholic church concerning fasting. Some people eat meat, others don’t even eat dairy products , is fasting truly from 12 am to 12 pm, some do not fast on food but emphasize on good deeds and prayers, some even fast on cigarettes…Are there any laws that one should abide by? Do rites differ in their rules on fasting?
Where can i find some readings on this issue, if found.

 

[jrabs]

I am a bit confused as to your saying that fasting is far from now. Do you mean the traditional Lenten fast? Because fasting is a powerful and effective form of prayer all year long, for any reason.

Well, I do not believe there are laws. You can fast in a number of ways. You can eliminate your favorite food , or fast on bread and water, or fast from meat, maybe even from TV or smoking. What ever is meaningful to you and would be a sacrifice.

I could fast on meat every day of the year and not have it mean anything to me…I hate the tase of beef and pork - so I do not consider that this would be too much of a sacrifice.

BUT take away my cookies and candy? Now you’re talking a serious fast. I gave up these foods back during Lent last year and it is hard, hard, hard. Oh to take my kids out trick-or-treating and not sneak a piece of their candy!

And in our town, it’s Girl Scout cookie time. Man alive - this is the time of year I would eat those tiny thin mint cookies. That is a fast -in my opinion.

My God be with you as you consider your fast.

 

[Rana]

Yes i meant the Lenten fast…it is the only time i fast during the year, except for the mini fast (if i shall say) that i do when praying the novena of Mary.
I always thought fasting was to sacrifice what you truly like, but i also thought there were rules or something, because others religions do…apparently we don’t.

 

[DianJo]

I think what you may be referring to is the “required” fast on the Fridays of Lent.

I believe you are to eat only one main meal on the Firdays of Lent. You may have another smaller “snack” on that Friday. It is also supposed to be free of meat - no beef, pork, chicken.

Say, for instance, if you eat your larger meal at suppertime then you would have a much smaller meal at lunch - a salad and a piece of fruit or a cup of soup, maybe.

Most people also “give up” something else that means alot to them - like the other poster that said that taking away his cookies and sweets was murder! If there is something in particular that you really love - you might consider giving that up for the Lenten season in addition to the fast on Fridays.

Someone will correct me if I’m off.

 

[jrabs]

Rana:

Yes i meant the Lenten fast…it is the only time i fast during the year, except for the mini fast (if i shall say) that i do when praying the novena of Mary.
I always thought fasting was to sacrifice what you truly like, but i also thought there were rules or something, because others religions do…apparently we don’t.

Fasting is great to do if you are in a spritual desert - great for when you are seeking more grace, great to offer up for the souls in purgatory. It was appropriate to do right before the election.

Heck - fasting is not just for Lent!

 

[FrancisDeSales]

Please correct me if I’m wrong, but here goes:

1. We are required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
2. The definition of fasting used in point 1 is eating only one regular meal, and two smaller “snacks” that, when combined, do not equal the size of the normal meal.
3. The law of fasting is binding on those people between ages 21-60 (does not include those a medical condition which prevents them from fasting).
4. We are required to abstain on Fridays during lent and Ash Wednesday (including Good Friday).
5. The definition of abstain in point 3 is abstaining from the flesh of any meats, such as poultry, beef, and pork, with fish being acceptable. Products made from milk and animal fat are acceptable.
6. The law of abstinence is binding on those over the age of 14.

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