Two Questions about Lenten Fasting and Abstinence

[billpenn]

Happy Ash Wednesday!!!

I’ve got two questions:

1. my wife is 7 months pregnant; she is dispensed from both fasting and abstinance…is this correct?
2. if somebody decides to fast every day of Lent, can they break the fast on each Sunday?
3. please see the last paragraph on this page: catholicculture.org/lit/activities/view.cfm?id=1020

…regarding not making an outward show: one of the things I am giving up is all television watching. We will be visiting my grandmother this weekend, and she always has the TV on (even when there are 8 people around the table visiting her! LOL) …how should I handle this? If I tell her that I’ve given up TV for lent and ask if it can be shut while I am there visiting…is that “making an outward show”? Do I just not go? Am I being scrupulous?

 

[Joysong]

Pregnancy does not dispense anyone from abstinence, for meatless meals can still be observed. In this sense, abstinence does not exclude people over 59, even though the law of fasting is dispensed. Not sure about the fast, though, since the “spirit” of the fast could be observed by eating less than normal, yet keeping one’s strength. She could ask the priest about it, if eating less is apt to be a hardship for her. There are only two days in lent where this is observed, so could this really affect her health?

Yes, if one fasts daily, Sundays are always excluded.

 

[RichT]

Keep in mind that young children are not required to fast. That is a young child she’s carrying, right? Nutrition is very important during pregnancy and even missing one meal can have a negative affect on a pregnant woman. I do believe she is dispensed from fasting, but check with a priest to be sure.

Not positive about abstinence, but keep in mind it is only on Friday’s and fish is a very healthy choice for a pregnant woman.

 

[baltobetsy]

…regarding not making an outward show: one of the things I am giving up is all television watching. We will be visiting my grandmother this weekend, and she always has the TV on (even when there are 8 people around the table visiting her! LOL) …how should I handle this? If I tell her that I’ve given up TV for lent and ask if it can be shut while I am there visiting…is that “making an outward show”? Do I just not go? Am I being scrupulous?

Your mortifications should never inconvenience others. When you go see your grandmother, don’t even mention the TV. Just give your attention to the people in the room and ignore the TV. Don’t even consider not going. Giving up TV is really about ordering your priorities, right? So people are more important than TV. Go and enjoy your grandmother. If the TV is on, so be it. Don’t worry about it.

Betsy

 

[StacieAdy]

Just a quick note, I was told with all three of my pregnancies that I was released from fasting. A pregnant woman requires so many calories per day, for the baby’s health more than her own. This was explained to me by my RCIA director after she had spoken with the priest. Hope that helps!

 

[Michael_C]

…regarding not making an outward show: one of the things I am giving up is all television watching. We will be visiting my grandmother this weekend, and she always has the TV on (even when there are 8 people around the table visiting her! LOL) …how should I handle this? If I tell her that I’ve given up TV for lent and ask if it can be shut while I am there visiting…is that “making an outward show”? Do I just not go? Am I being scrupulous?

Hi Bill, I gave up TV the last three years. You’ll be amazed at how sharp you become. TV really makes your brain mush. I have found that once pople find out you have given up TV they become obsessed with the subject and it becomes more of a distraction than the TV. Make an effort not to look at it and don’t let anyone know.

I wish you success and God Bless.

 

[Joysong]

You’ll be amazed at how sharp you become. TV really makes your brain mush.

Has anyone noticed how terribly mushy one’s spirit becomes when too much CAF is a part of one’s daily life? I want to abstain for lent and see if there is a difference. Already, these past few days, it has been quite noticeable! The sweetness and joy of the Holy Spirit has increased as recollection became more possible due to avoiding this distraction.