Fasting and Abstinence Guidance

Required fast and abstinence

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence; Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence.

Abstinence binds from age 14 onward; fasting binds from age 18 through age 59. Health and condition can excuse a person from these practices.

On a fast day, one full meal is permitted; two smaller meals may be taken if needed, but together should not equal another full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted, though liquids may be taken at any time. USCCB Fast & Abstinence guidance (Opens USCCB in a new tab)

Fasting

Limits the amount eaten on days where the law of fasting applies.

Abstinence

Means not eating meat on days where the law of abstinence applies.

Ordinary Friday penance

Every Friday remains a penitential day. Outside Lent in the United States, abstinence from meat is not obligatory; the bishops urge a freely chosen penitential practice.

This is U.S. Latin Catholic guidance and remains subject to the local and individual circumstances described above. U.S. Bishops' Pastoral Statement on Penance and Abstinence (Opens USCCB in a new tab)

What counts as meat

For abstinence, meat means the flesh of mammals and fowl: beef, pork, lamb, chicken, and similar foods. Fish and shellfish are allowed. Products made from animals, such as milk, cheese, and eggs, do not count as meat. USCCB Lent questions and answers (Opens USCCB in a new tab)

Health and age

Abstinence binds from age 14 onward; fasting binds from age 18 through age 59. Health and condition can excuse a person from these practices.

If fasting or abstinence would harm your health, use prudent judgment and seek appropriate pastoral or medical guidance when needed. USCCB complementary norms (Opens USCCB in a new tab) USCCB health guidance (Opens USCCB in a new tab)

Solemnities and local norms

A solemnity falling on Friday is excepted from Friday abstinence. Local calendars, diocesan norms, lawful dispensations, and individual circumstances can also change what applies.

Check your diocese for its local calendar and instructions, especially when a feast or local observance is involved. Code of Canon Law, canons 1244–1253 (Opens Vatican in a new tab) USCCB liturgical calendars (Opens USCCB in a new tab)

Eastern Catholic law

Eastern Catholics follow the particular law of their own sui iuris Church and the direction of their pastor or eparchy.

This U.S. Latin Catholic guide does not establish an Eastern Catholic rule profile. USCCB guidance on Eastern Catholic particular law (Opens USCCB in a new tab)

Voluntary personal practice

Personal fast tracking is voluntary practice. It does not change what the Church requires.

A person may freely choose a fast, intention, reminder, or act of charity as part of their devotional life.

The spiritual purpose

Christian penance includes prayer, fasting, and almsgiving and serves conversion, charity, and turning the heart toward God.

Fasting and abstinence are not merely dietary rules. USCCB reflection on Lenten fasting (Opens USCCB in a new tab) Catechism of the Catholic Church (Opens Vatican in a new tab)