Catholic Lenten Practices

Abstinence from meat 

• Observed on Ash Wednesday, Fridays of Lent and Good Friday
• Applies to all persons 14 and older

 
Fasting

• Observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday
• Applies to all persons ages 18 to 59
• One full meatless meal per day and two small meatless meals sufficient to maintain strength but do not equal a full meal
• Liquids, including milk and fruit juice, are permitted
• If health or ability to work is affected, fasting is not recommended
• Private, self-imposed observance of fasting on Lenten weekdays is encouraged
• Parents should ensure that children who are not bound by the laws of fasting and abstinence are taught an authentic sense of penance, conversion, and reconciliation
• Fr. Patrick offers additional ways to fast. Learn more Lenten Fasting

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Reconciliation (confession)  

• Catholics are obliged and encouraged to confess sacramentally all serious sins not previously acknowledged in individual confession

 
Liturgy and Devotions

• Catholics are encouraged to participate in the Eucharistic liturgy during Lent
• Devotions such as Stations of the Cross and other traditional practices – including increased prayer, Scripture and spiritual reading, alms, personal discipline, increased care and service to the sick and needy – are also recommended

 
Holy Communion

• All initiated Catholics are to receive Communion at least once a year and during the Lent and Easter seasons: first Sunday of Lent until Trinity Sunday unless it is fulfilled at some other time of the year

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Also visit: Lent