Lent

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I know it doesn’t start for another three months, but I figured I’d go ahead and ask now while I’m thinking about it. I’m new to the Catholic religion, and currently going through RCIA. I’m sure we’ll go over it when we get closer to Mardi Gras, but I was curious, and I wanted you guys’ (name removed by moderator)ut.

Since I wasn’t raised Catholic, I have only a superficial understanding of Lent, and wanted to see what I’m correct on. Are there any other dietary restrictions during the season of Lent, other than obstaining from meat on Fridays?

Also, I constantly heard other people talk about giving something up for Lent. This is the part that confuses me. What do you typically give up? Most commonly I hear people give up a certain sin. But isn’t that something you’re supposed to abstain from year round?
 
kbwall said:
I know it doesn’t start for another three months, but I figured I’d go ahead and ask now while I’m thinking about it. I’m new to the Catholic religion, and currently going through RCIA. I’m sure we’ll go over it when we get closer to Mardi Gras, but I was curious, and I wanted you guys’ (name removed by moderator)ut.

Since I wasn’t raised Catholic, I have only a superficial understanding of Lent, and wanted to see what I’m correct on. Are there any other dietary restrictions during the season of Lent, other than obstaining from meat on Fridays?

Also, I constantly heard other people talk about giving something up for Lent. This is the part that confuses me. What do you typically give up? Most commonly I hear people give up a certain sin. But isn’t that something you’re supposed to abstain from year round?
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For Roman Catholics, its Fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Fasting being less food intake, usually 2 small meals and 1 big meal instead of the usual 3 full meals. Others may skip one meal entirely. Then Abstinence on Fridays which is abstaining from meat.

That is the bare minimum for healthy Catholics of age. Of course those who are older (65+) or younger (below 7) and those with medical conditions are exempted. Being the minimum, you can do more, like Abstinence for the entire Lent and not just Friday. Or fast everyday.
 
kbwall said:
I know it doesn’t start for another three months, but I figured I’d go ahead and ask now while I’m thinking about it. I’m new to the Catholic religion, and currently going through RCIA. I’m sure we’ll go over it when we get closer to Mardi Gras, but I was curious, and I wanted you guys’ (name removed by moderator)ut.

Since I wasn’t raised Catholic, I have only a superficial understanding of Lent, and wanted to see what I’m correct on. Are there any other dietary restrictions during the season of Lent, other than obstaining from meat on Fridays?

Also, I constantly heard other people talk about giving something up for Lent. This is the part that confuses me. What do you typically give up? Most commonly I hear people give up a certain sin. But isn’t that something you’re supposed to abstain from year round?
Click to expand...
Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence.

The requirement to abstain from meat applies to those 14 years and older.

The requirement to fast applies to those between the ages of 18-59 (at least, in the U.S.).

“Giving up” something for Lent is traditional, but the point is to emphasize the theological virtues of hope, faith, and charity. We should “give up” things only insofar as that discipline helps us achieve greater hope, faith, and/or charity.
 
Traditionally, before World War II, the lent meant fast and abstinence for 40 days (from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday). This was reduced to abstinence (no meat) on Fridays of Lent and to fast (only one meal and two snacks) for Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

In lieu Catholics are supposed to give up something: tobacco, chocolate, married people with mutual decision sex, or may be just an extra snack or other indulgences. These are not sins. The give up reminds up that God and not our ‘feeling good’ is the important thing in our life. This was the reason for the fast too.
 
kbwall said:
I know it doesn’t start for another three months, but I figured I’d go ahead and ask now while I’m thinking about it. I’m new to the Catholic religion, and currently going through RCIA. I’m sure we’ll go over it when we get closer to Mardi Gras, but I was curious, and I wanted you guys’ (name removed by moderator)ut.

Since I wasn’t raised Catholic, I have only a superficial understanding of Lent, and wanted to see what I’m correct on. Are there any other dietary restrictions during the season of Lent, other than obstaining from meat on Fridays?

Also, I constantly heard other people talk about giving something up for Lent. This is the part that confuses me. What do you typically give up? Most commonly I hear people give up a certain sin. But isn’t that something you’re supposed to abstain from year round?
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The Idea of Lent is that it is a season of Penance. It prepares us in a Spiritual Sense for Easter. So - when we Fast and Abstain from Meat on Friday - it is an act of Penance. In essense - Subjugating the Flesh to the Spirit. We are to Fast all 40 days - from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday with the Exception of the Sundays of Lent. Partial Abstinence as well - meat only at the main meal on days other than Friday. Fast meaning one full meal a day and two snacks that together dont add up in size to a main meal. In addition to these practises that the Churrch “Requires” - in the spirit of the Season many Catholics likewise decide to give up something they like as a penance. It can be anything you normally like to do.

When I say “Require” I am sure some people might come read this and say - We dont have to do this anymore or that anymore as usually happens. But I submit this post for informational purposes only and I will not argue with those who disagree with me. Some parishes arent as Traditional as mine is. This is what we do.

In addition - from Ash Wednesday until Trinity Sunday - we have to at least one time Confess and Recieve Holy Communion. Now for most Catholics who regularly do this anyway its no big deal - But the Church Requires under penalty of Sin that EVERY Catholic do so during this time period.

The Idea of a Penitential Season is because as Humans - we naturally dont like to do penance. Its Holy Mother the Church’s way of seeing that we do so - not because she is punishing us - but rather - so that we understand that the tremendous spiritual benefits of penance will help us to overcome sin and temptation. Some Catholics fast and do penance year round. So the Church in her wisdom - assists us in our understanding of all that GOD requires. And it helps me lose weight ; )
 
Great answers on this thread.

The wife and I are well past the age of 59 but we are in reasonably good health so we abstain all days of Lent and Fast on every Friday. It doesn’t hurt at all. I am always amazed how much better I feel as Easter draws near. (both spiritually and physically)

This year we are trying to spend the whole Holy week near our EF parish to experience all of the liturgies, including the Solemn High Mass of the Easter Vigil. Last year we got to do part of it and I was an emotional “basket case”.
 
Robert_Burns said:
We are to Fast all 40 days - from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday with the Exception of the Sundays of Lent.
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This may be noble, and worthwhile, but it is not required for Catholics.
Robert_Burns said:
In addition - from Ash Wednesday until Trinity Sunday - we have to at least one time Confess and Recieve Holy Communion.
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I’ve never heard this before (as a lifelong Catholic) can you clarify? Thanks!
 
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