ashes on forehead lent

Lenten Regulations

During Lent the Christian faithful are to do penance through prayer, fasting, abstinence and by exercising works of piety and charity. All Fridays through the year, and especially during Lent, are penitential days.

Sundays in Lent are not considered part of the Lenten observance because each Sunday we continue to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. Each Sunday is like a mini-Easter.

Abstinence

All who have reached their 14th birthday are to abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday and on all Fridays during Lent.

Fasting

All those who are 18 and older, until their 59th birthday, are to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Only one full meal is allowed on days of fast. Two other meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to one’s needs. But together, they should not equal a full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted, but liquids are allowed.

The obligation does not apply to those whose health or ability to work would be seriously affected. People in doubt about fast or abstinence should consult a parish priest.

7 thoughts on “Lenten Regulations”

    1. yes it is.

      http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P4O.HTM

      Can. 1252 The law of abstinence binds those who have completed their fourteenth year. The law of fasting binds those who have attained their majority, until the beginning of their sixtieth year. Pastors of souls and parents are to ensure that even those who by reason of their age are not bound by the law of fasting and abstinence, are taught the true meaning of penance.

      I guess you might be right if you consider yourself a better source of information than the vatican.

      1. But I want to add that the Vatican also says if not eating meat would offend someone whom you are with it is also allowed.

        1. 1 Timothy 4:1-9
          New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)

          False Asceticism
          “Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will renounce the faith by paying attention to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared with a hot iron. They forbid marriage and demand abstinence from foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, provided it is received with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by God’s word and by prayer.
          If you put these instructions before the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound teaching that you have followed. Have nothing to do with profane myths and old wives’ tales. Train yourself in godliness, for, while physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and struggle, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.”

  1. Mass is a celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. The ringing of the bells is our recognition of the most sacred part of the mass: the consecration and therefore right and proper

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