Regulations for Fasting in Lent

As Catholics we are asked to abstain from meat and to fast on two days in the year, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Fasting means that one full meatless meal can be eaten in the day. Two other meatless meals may be taken to maintain strength but together they should not exceed one full meal. Liquids, including milk and fruit juice, may be taken between meals. The fasting regulation applies to all Catholics aged 18 to 59 while those aged fourteen and above are asked to abstain from meat. Some people are not required to fast; these include those who are sick, pregnant or nursing women and manual labourers according to need. In the past, Irish Catholics were required to abstain from meat every Friday. While still not a requirement, the Irish Bishops’ Conference has suggested it as a form of Friday Penance during Lent.