How to Fast During Lent

Lent is a special time during the year when the Church remembers Jesus Christ's time in the desert. He spent 40 days there preparing for His ministry, so Catholics fast for 40 days to prepare for Good Friday and Easter.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Fast on Ash Wednesday and Fridays during Lent. The Catholic Church requires that you abstain from meat and eat only one full meal on these days. You may eat up to two snacks in addition to your meal, as long as they do not equal a complete meal.

2. Add your own sacrifice to the required fast. For example, give up desserts or eating between meals. Some people give up meat for all of Lent.

3. Take up a new spiritual practice during Lent. Try saying the Rosary every day or going to daily Mass more often. Read a chapter from the Bible each night or another spiritual book.

4. Team with a friend to make sure that you both stick to your Lenten promises. Accountability makes it easier to fight temptation and encouragement will help you recover if you slip.

Tips & Warnings

• If your stomach reminds you of your hunger, take a moment to pray. Remind yourself why you are fasting and ask God for help. It is also helpful to offer your fast along with prayers for someone you love.

• Think of fasting as a gift to God. You shouldn't have another motive for fasting, such as losing weight.