What are the rules for not eating meat on Fridays? Is it only during lent or all year round? Also, when are Catholics suppose to fast?
Currently, Catholics are required to abstain from meat only during the Friday’s of Lent. Years ago, Catholics were forbidden to eat meat every Friday of the year. In 1966, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops determined that we did not have to abstain from eating meat. Due to shifts in American’s eating habits, the importance of meat in our diet had diminished. To reflect this, we were given the option of choosing another penance on Friday. There has been some talk about reinstating the rule and making all Fridays meatless. But nothing has been changed, yet. Catholic American’s (who are 14 years or older) still only have to abstain from meat during the Lenten Season.
In respect to fasting, American Catholics are required to do so on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. The fasting age is from 18 to 59. Those who have medical concerns are not obligated to abstain from meat or fast at any time.
Currently, Catholics are required to abstain from meat only during the Friday’s of Lent. Years ago, Catholics were forbidden to eat meat every Friday of the year. In 1966, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops determined that we did not have to abstain from eating meat. Due to shifts in American’s eating habits, the importance of meat in our diet had diminished. To reflect this, we were given the option of choosing another penance on Friday. There has been some talk about reinstating the rule and making all Fridays meatless. But nothing has been changed, yet. Catholic American’s (who are 14 years or older) still only have to abstain from meat during the Lenten Season.
In respect to fasting, American Catholics are required to do so on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. The fasting age is from 18 to 59. Those who have medical concerns are not obligated to abstain from meat or fast at any time.