About Roman Catholic Fasting Rules

Though the Roman Catholic Church has changed much through the years, fasting has remained an important part of the faith. Many modern Catholics, however, have questions about the practice of fasting and what rules they are expected to follow.

History

Fasting has long served a role in the Catholic Church, drawing upon the example that Jesus himself set. In Matthew's Gospel (4:1-2) Jesus went out into the desert, fasting for forty days and forty nights to prepare for the trials ahead of Him. Early Christians fasted as a means of gaining forgiveness for their sins, usually for the few days leading to Easter. It was not until the fourth century that Lent lasted forty days in memory of Christ's days in the desert and fasting for that period became a Christian obligation. Following Vatican II, the rules for fasting in the Roman Catholic Church changed to what believers follow today.

Significance

The importance of fasting in the Catholic's life is two-fold. The act of denial involved in fasting is a form of penance, a pathway for the sinner to seek forgiveness. But it is also an opportunity to grow closer to God, providing grace and strengthening a relationship with Him through discipline and prayer. Fasting can help quiet the mind and heart and allow God to speak.

Types

The Catholic Church requires Eucharistic fasting and Lenten fasting. The Eucharistic fasting refers to the hour before Communion when those who wish to receive the Body and Blood of Christ must refrain from food and drink (except water). The Lenten fasting refers to Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. On those days, Catholics are expected to eat one regular meal and two lighter meals, as well as not eat between those meals.

Considerations

According to the general law of the Church, Catholics from the age of 14 years to 60 years are obliged to fast on Good Friday and Ash Wednesday. Any Catholic receiving Eucharist is obliged to follow the one hour fast. Pregnant women and people who are ill are not required to fast. If a Catholic has any other compelling reason precluding fasting, he or she is encouraged to speak to a priest. At no time should any Catholic fast to the point of physical endangerment. During Lent, Catholics are also encouraged to fast in ways other than limiting food. For example, a Catholic could fast from excessive gossiping in order to form a deeper relationship with Christ.

Misconceptions

Catholics often confuse the act of fasting with the practice of abstinence. These forms of denial are completely different. Fasting usually refers to the limited consumption of food. Abstinence is not eating meat (pork, beef and chicken). Both Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence. All Fridays during Lent are days of abstinence. Though the Church has relaxed the rules of fasting, deliberately choosing not to follow this Lenten precept is still considered a grave sin.