Lenten Regulations for Catholics

By Fr. John Hilton published February 13, 2010
Tags:
  • By the law of God and the custom of the Church, all Christians are required to do penance. The season of
    Lent retains its penitential character. The days of penance to be observed under obligation are Ash
    Wednesday and all Fridays of the Lenten season.
  • Abstinence from meat is to be observed on all Fridays of Lent. The law of abstinence and fast is to be
    observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. The Law of abstinence forbids the consumption of meat.
    The law of fasting permits one full meal a day and two small collations (snacks).
  • The Law of abstinence binds those who have celebrated their 14th birthday. The Law of fasting binds those
    who have celebrated their 18th birthday, and continues until they have celebrated their 59th birthday.
  • Pastors and parents should take particular care to educate the young to a true sense of penance and self-discipline.
    More frequent use of the Sacrament of Penance and attendance at daily Mass should be
    encouraged during Lent, as well as other practices of penance and self-sacrifice.