Welcome to the Season of Lent

As we prepare ourselves to enter the Lenten Season, questions are often raised about various practices we observe during this time. The regulations during Lent are explained in the article below. One which I’d like to highlight is fasting. From the age of 18 until we reach 59 we are required to fast. However, extra care needs to be taken when following this practice, especially as we advance in years. At least once during past Lenten Seasons a parishioner has fainted, sometimes resulting in injury, as they have taken this discipline too far. As always, be safe.

What are the regulations for penance, fasting and abstinence during Lent?

Penitential days – The universal Church observes obligatory days of penance during the season of Lent, which begins Ash Wednesday and continues until the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper. In addition, Catholics are encouraged to do some form of penance on non-Lenten Fridays of the year, plus any other special penitential occasions. The goal of these penances is the conversion of our hearts, which manifests itself exteriorly. “Interior conversion urges expression in visible signs, gestures and works of penance,” we read in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) #1430. These penances help us to repent and redirect our lives toward God and away from the sin which wounds our nature (CCC #1430-1439).
Abstinence – Catholics 14 years of age and older must abstain from eating meat and poultry on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and all the Fridays of Lent. Abstinence is not mandatory on non-Lenten Fridays, but another form of penance should be observed.
Fasting – Catholics between the age of 18 and 59 inclusive are required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. On these days one full meal is allowed. If required to maintain health, two smaller meals may also be eaten these days, but the amount at those smaller meals should add up to be less than a normal full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted. Liquids, however, are allowed, including milk and fruit juices.
Sacrament of Confession– All the faithful who have reached the age of reason (approximately seven years old) are bound to confess their grave sins at least once a year. Lent is an ideal time for this. Those aware of having committed a mortal sin may not receive Holy Communion until they have gone to sacramental Confession (CCC #1457). Frequent confession, even of venial sins, is recommended for all (CCC #1458).
Other Lenten Observances – Except on days of Solemnity (e.g. March 19—St. Joseph Day— and March 25—Annunciation), every Lenten weekday is a day of penance and should be marked by prayer and spiritual practices, which may include daily Mass, more time in personal prayer or study, self-imposed fasting or abstinence, works of charity, donating to charities helping the poor, praying the Stations of the Cross or the rosary, attending retreats or parish missions, etc.

SOURCE: Archdiocese of Saint Paul & Minneapolis, “FAQ”, 2/26/2025, www.archspm.org/sacraments-worship/faq/