Questions about Lent

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Hello!

I’m not a Catholic yet, but I’m definitely interested. I’m hoping to take part in Lent this year if I can.

First off, is this okay to do as a non-Catholic and are there things other than receiving communion that I can’t do? Can I receive the ashes and what do the ashes mean?

Secondly, I understand that we are to give something up and fast as Jesus did for his 40 days when he was tempted by the devil. I was hoping to give up caffeine as that would be something fairly difficult but not unrealistic for me to do. Would this be okay? Do I need to tell my intention to anyone? Does anyone know of a good list of things with caffeine in them on the web, other than the obvious (i.e. chocolate, tea, coffee, soda)?

Also, what does it mean to fast for Lent? Is it more than just not eating meat aside from fish on Fridays?

Thanks.

I apologize if I put this post in the wrong spot.
 
As a non-Catholic, please refrain from receiving Communion and you will not receive absolution if you go to confession. Anyone can receive ashes on Ash Wednesday. They remind us that we were made from dust and to dust we shall return. Giving up caffeine for Lent is quite common and perfectly ok. If you are unsure what food and drinks have it you can choose a couple of the ones you normally consume and give those up; like coffee, soft drinks and chocolate. Catholics are obliged to fast on two days a year, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. The fast is food enough for two small meals and one larger meal; there is no snacking or eating between meals; we fast midnight to midnight.
 
KnightErrant said:
Hello!

I’m not a Catholic yet, but I’m definitely interested. I’m hoping to take part in Lent this year if I can.

First off, is this okay to do as a non-Catholic and are there things other than receiving communion that I can’t do? Can I receive the ashes and what do the ashes mean?

Secondly, I understand that we are to give something up and fast as Jesus did for his 40 days when he was tempted by the devil. I was hoping to give up caffeine as that would be something fairly difficult but not unrealistic for me to do. Would this be okay? Do I need to tell my intention to anyone? Does anyone know of a good list of things with caffeine in them on the web, other than the obvious (i.e. chocolate, tea, coffee, soda)?

Also, what does it mean to fast for Lent? Is it more than just not eating meat aside from fish on Fridays?

Thanks.

I apologize if I put this post in the wrong spot.
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Hello! Fellow future Catholic here! 🙂

Anyone may receive the ashes on Ash Wednesday, Catholic or not. Just as anyone may participate in Lent.

You can give something up, but you may also take something up, like reading one book of the Bible over Lent, volunteering time to your Church or a shelter, I’ve also heard of one person writing letters to someone who touched their lives for each of the forty days.

The no meat on Fridays and the giving something up is what’s part of fasting, but I also believe you are to fast on Ash Wednesday as well in terms of how much you eat. I’m not entirely sure how we are to do that though.

Hope this helps!
 
There is nothing specifically Lenten that you are not allowed to do. Anybody can fast, do penance, and even receive ashes on AW.

ICXC NIKA
 
Some surprising sources of caffeine: non cola sodas like Sunkist Orange or Mountain Dew, ice cream, specific pain relievers like Excedrin and pain relievers labeled ‘‘migraine,’’.

If you habitually consume a lot of caffeine, you may experience severe headaches, nausea and vomiting and photo sensitivity. These are withdrawal symptoms. Drink LOTS of plain water and check with your PCP if you need pain relief.
 
Catholic1954 said:
As a non-Catholic, please refrain from receiving Communion and you will not receive absolution if you go to confession. Anyone can receive ashes on Ash Wednesday. They remind us that we were made from dust and to dust we shall return. Giving up caffeine for Lent is quite common and perfectly ok. If you are unsure what food and drinks have it you can choose a couple of the ones you normally consume and give those up; like coffee, soft drinks and chocolate. Catholics are obliged to fast on two days a year, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. The fast is food enough for two small meals and one larger meal; there is no snacking or eating between meals; we fast midnight to midnight.
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👍 Nice concise post!
 
I am a newly returning Catholic, and this is my first lent since Childhood where my family ignored Lent and Easter. I believe that you do not have to tell anyone what you are giving up. That is between God and you. Also, if you slip up and consume caffeine, acknowledge your mistake to God and then rededicate yourself to your lent commitment. Since you are not Catholic, I don’t think formal Confession applies.

If I am wrong on any of this, I am sure I will be corrected. I would appreciate it, because I want to know for my own knowledge as well.:confused:
 
You cannot receive Holy Communion, but you are allowed to be marked with the ashes and do penance in Lent. The ashes are meant to remind us that we are mortal and will rot in the grave by turning back into dust. This is evident in what the priest says when signing you with ashes: “Remember, man, that thou art dust, and unto dust thou shalt return” (this might be a bit different in the new Mass, but I think it’s about the same). Ashes also symbolize penance & mortification.

It is fine to give up caffeine, and you don’t have to tell anyone that you are doing it. The disciplines for Lent given to us by the Church that Catholics must follow are to fast and abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and to abstain from meat on all Fridays. Fasting is taking a principle meal and two smaller meals that do not equal the size of the principle meal. The old discipline was that you fasted and completely abstained from meat on all Fridays of Lent, Ash Wednesday, and Holy Saturday (until noon - the end of Easter Vigil Mass), and to fast and partially abstain from meat (meat is only allowed in the principle meal) on all other days of Lent except Sundays. The old discipline is sometimes what is referred to when we “fast for Lent”, but it is no longer obligated for Catholics to follow besides from private devotion. The old discipline is still quite popular for some Catholics.
 
KnightErrant said:
Secondly, I understand that we are to give something up and fast as Jesus did for his 40 days when he was tempted by the devil. I was hoping to give up caffeine as that would be something fairly difficult but not unrealistic for me to do. Would this be okay? Do I need to tell my intention to anyone? Does anyone know of a good list of things with caffeine in them on the web, other than the obvious (i.e. chocolate, tea, coffee, soda)?

.
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Instead of giving something up. Why not do something extra? Help someone you don’t really get on with for instance.
 
WJeffrey said:
I am a newly returning Catholic, and this is my first lent since Childhood where my family ignored Lent and Easter. I believe that you do not have to tell anyone what you are giving up. That is between God and you. Also, if you slip up and consume caffeine, acknowledge your mistake to God and then rededicate yourself to your lent commitment. Since you are not Catholic, I don’t think formal Confession applies.

If I am wrong on any of this, I am sure I will be corrected. I would appreciate it, because I want to know for my own knowledge as well.:confused:
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Welcome back! Breaking your sacrifice during Lent is not a sin though all abstinences and fasting should be observed. Hope you have a thoughtful and reflective Lent and a joyous Easter! 👍
 
KnightErrant said:
Hello!

I’m not a Catholic yet, but I’m definitely interested. I’m hoping to take part in Lent this year if I can.

First off, is this okay to do as a non-Catholic and are there things other than receiving communion that I can’t do? Can I receive the ashes and what do the ashes mean?

Secondly, I understand that we are to give something up and fast as Jesus did for his 40 days when he was tempted by the devil. I was hoping to give up caffeine as that would be something fairly difficult but not unrealistic for me to do. Would this be okay? Do I need to tell my intention to anyone? Does anyone know of a good list of things with caffeine in them on the web, other than the obvious (i.e. chocolate, tea, coffee, soda)?

Also, what does it mean to fast for Lent? Is it more than just not eating meat aside from fish on Fridays?

Thanks.

I apologize if I put this post in the wrong spot.
Click to expand...
Hello!

I’m not a Catholic yet, but I’m definitely interested. I’m hoping to take part in Lent this year if I can.

First off, is this okay to do as a non-Catholic and are there things other than receiving communion that I can’t do? Can I receive the ashes and what do the ashes mean?

Secondly, I understand that we are to give something up and fast as Jesus did for his 40 days when he was tempted by the devil. I was hoping to give up caffeine as that would be something fairly difficult but not unrealistic for me to do. Would this be okay? Do I need to tell my intention to anyone? Does anyone know of a good list of things with caffeine in them on the web, other than the obvious (i.e. chocolate, tea, coffee, soda)?

Also, what does it mean to fast for Lent? Is it more than just not eating meat aside from fish on Fridays?

Thanks.

I apologize if I put this post in the wrong spot

This is the RIGHT Spot

Awesome!

Communion no

Ashes YES!

**The Ashes signify:

Genesis 3:19**

“In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread till thou return to the earth, out of which thou wast taken: for dust thou art, and into dust thou shalt return.”

That God Created man out of the Dust; & after our demise; BACK to “Dust” is the NORMAL expectation. Along with the First {Immediate} Judgment.

Lent therefore is a TIME of preparation for this eventuality. To confront it with God’s grace and the guidance of t God’s Church & Faith.

Since we know [or can know] that any and all good actions result in at least and OFFER of Grace from God; doing even the smallest good-actions freely are grace-opportunities.
THAT then precisely recounts the foundational catechesis [teaching] for Lent. It is a time to make a serious, sacrificial effort {thus PROVING the worthiness and intent} of our actions to establish either again OR on a more firm-grounding; our LOVE of and for Jesus: Isaiah 43 Verses 7 &21;

Avoiding MEAT is MANDATED for we Catholics on:

ALL Fridays [age of reason to age 59 unless a Doctor forbids such for health concerns]
FASTING: Meaning to eat ONLY one full meal & two smaller one’s [again: same as above] & AVOID MEAT is obligated for Ash Wednesday and Good Friday [the Friday B4 Easter]

The Practice of “Giving up something” for Lent is a LONG established Catholic-practice. It can be ANYTHING. It’s NOT the “sacrifice” itself, SO MUCH as the bringing to our minds and hearts ALL that Jesus FREELY endured for our POSSIBLE salvation.
Jesus gave us His Life and its example

His Church [Mt 16: 15-19; Jn 17:17-20 & Mt 28:16-20]

His Seven Sacraments [as GODLY-aids to direct our salvation-path]

His Mother [Jn.19:25-28] & the Saints as examples for us and Intercessors who desire to bring us in closer union with Jesus. ALL PRAYERS end with GOD!

So what we choose to “give up”; is whatever will bring to our minds and hearts EACH of the 40 Day’s of Lentl Jesus; His Sacrifice; and our love for Him.

This can be augmented or replaced by ALSO choosing to do something we don’t like or normally: Sacrifical doing or avoiding can be interchanged BUT need to be sacrificial.
“Like” Perhaps a chore we do not relish; as simple as kindness and charity towards someone we are NOT fond of.

“Don’t normally do” could be attending DAILY Mass if that is an option for you; or saying a rosary or 2nd rosary daily.

And NO; you needn’t tell anyone BUT GOD your intention. INDEED additional grace can be merited by “suffering in the silence” of your OWN-Heart.
LENT is all about YOU and YOUR very personal relationship with our God. Amen!
THANKS for asking,

God Bless you,

Patrick
PJM
 
KnightErrant said:
Secondly, I understand that we are to give something up and fast as Jesus did for his 40 days when he was tempted by the devil. I was hoping to give up caffeine as that would be something fairly difficult but not unrealistic for me to do. Would this be okay? Do I need to tell my intention to anyone? Does anyone know of a good list of things with caffeine in them on the web, other than the obvious (i.e. chocolate, tea, coffee, soda)?
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Just a note about giving up caffeine.

If giving it up makes you a mean, short tempered, son of a gun, then don’t do it. In other words if you drink or consume caffeine every day and you will have withdrawal symptoms, think twice. Others shouldn’t have to pay for your penance.

A number of years ago a friend gave it up. No one wanted to be around him. In fact, people actively avoided him for the first few weeks of Lent. THAT isn’t the goal.
 
Is giving up meat a considered a sacrifice? I ask because simply put, our family considers fish for dinner a treat, a family favorite. Also, how does this apply to vegetarians in the family?
 
glad2bhome said:
Is giving up meat a considered a sacrifice? I ask because simply put, our family considers fish for dinner a treat, a family favorite. Also, how does this apply to vegetarians in the family?
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Us Latins are allowed fish on Fridays for Lent, just not the meat of mammals and fowl.
 
glad2bhome said:
Is giving up meat a considered a sacrifice? I ask because simply put, our family considers fish for dinner a treat, a family favorite. Also, how does this apply to vegetarians in the family?
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The Eastern Catholics have an even stricter fast. I believe they refrain from dairy and eggs during Lent.
 
glad2bhome said:
Is giving up meat a considered a sacrifice? I ask because simply put, our family considers fish for dinner a treat, a family favorite. Also, how does this apply to vegetarians in the family?
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Vegetarians are already fulfilling their obligation of abstaining from meat on Fridays, but many of them do another penance in addition to abstaining from meat even though this is not required of them. I think it would be a good idea to eat something besides fish on Fridays if fish is considered a treat by your family.
 
glad2bhome said:
Is giving up meat a considered a sacrifice? I ask because simply put, our family considers fish for dinner a treat, a family favorite. Also, how does this apply to vegetarians in the family?
Click to expand...
How abour giving up meat & praying the rosary as a family every day:thumbsup:
 
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