Fasting & Abstinence
The code of Canon Law (Canons 1249-1253) reminds us that all of Christ’s faithful are obliged to do penance.
A statement from the Bishops of England & Wales reminds us that:
“Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are to be observed as days of fast and abstinence.
Fasting means that the amount of food we eat is considerably reduced.
Abstinence means that we give up a particular kind of food or drink or form of amusement.”
Fasting
Fasting is to be observed by all those between the ages of 18 – 60.
The Church defines this as one meal a day, and two smaller meals which if added together would not exceed the main meal in quantity.
Abstinence
Abstinence means refraining from eating meat and is to be observed by all those from the age of 14.
Meat is considered to be the flesh and organs of mammals and fowl. Salt and freshwater species of fish, amphibians, reptiles and shellfish are permitted.
Those who are Excused from Fast or Abstinence
Besides those outside the age limits, those of unsound mind, the sick, the frail, pregnant or nursing women according to need for meat or nourishment, manual labourers according to need, guests at a meal who cannot excuse themselves without giving great offence or causing enmity and other situations of moral or physical impossibility to observe the penitential discipline.