Fast and Abstinence
Fasting and abstinence helps the People of God to grow in virtue.
Decree No. 8, Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, October 23, 1984
In accordance with the prescriptions of Canon 1253, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops hereby decrees that the days of fast and abstinence in Canada are Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
Fridays are days of abstinence but Catholics may substitute special acts of charity or piety on this day.
Decree No. 8, approved by the Conference, October 23, 1984, was reviewed by the Apostolic See (letter of Apostolic Nunciature, Prot. No. 20506, March 8, 1985).
Canon 1249 reminds all Catholics of their obligation to do penance; this obligation comes from the divine law itself. However, to be joined in a common observance of penance, penitential days are prescribed in which the faithful in a special way pray, exercise works of piety and charity, and deny themselves by fulfilling their responsibilities more faithfully and especially by observing fast and abstinence from meat.
Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence in Canada.
All persons who have completed their fourteenth year of age are bound by the law of abstinence. Those who have completed their eighteenth year of age are bound by the law of fasting up to the beginning of their sixtieth year.
Fridays are penitential days. However, instead of observing the universal law of abstinence from meat on Fridays, Catholics may substitute special acts of charity or piety on this day. The decree of the Episcopal Conference does not specify which particular acts of piety or charity are to be performed on Fridays; this is left to each Catholic to determine.
Dispensation
In virtue of Canons 87 and 88, the diocesan bishop may dispense from all or some of the specific provisions of this decree, if by so doing he would contribute to the spiritual well-being of the faithful.
Likewise, according to Canon 1245, the pastor in individual cases can dispense from the obligation to fast and abstain from meat on the appointed days or can commute the obligation to other pious works.
Five Precepts of the Catholic Church
The five precepts of the Catholic Church are:
- Attend Mass on Sundays and days of obligation.
- Confess your sins at least once a year.
- Receive the Eucharist at least once a year.
- Observe days of fasting and abstinence.
- Provide for the needs of the Church.
FAST AND ABSTINENCE - SPECIFIC DETAILS
“To fast” means eating two small meals and one regular meal, with no food in-between meals. The law of fasting binds all those who are between 18 to 59 years of age. Parents, pastors, teachers, and all who accompany younger people in their faith lives can help young children grow in their understanding of the meaning and practice of these penitential traditions.
“Abstinence” from meat is also required on these two days, and Fridays during Lent. Fish is an accepted alternative. This law applies to all who are 14 years of age and older. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and persons with particular medical conditions may be dispensed from these laws.