Fasting Before Mass

Catholics are supposed to fast for 1 hour from all food and liquids (except water and medicines, of course) before receiving Holy Communion.  This practice helps us call to mind that unique privilege and gift we receive in the Eucharistic Presence of Jesus, the Son of God who feeds us with his body and blood.

Lenten Regulations on Fast and Abstinence

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fasting and abstinence.  Fridays during Lent are days of abstinence of meat.

Fasting– prescribes that a Catholic may eat only one full meal for the day.  Two smaller meals are permitted as necessary, but these taken together should not equal more than one full meal.  Fasting obliges all Catholics from the ages 18 to 59. 

Abstinence– means that a Catholic must avoid eating meat throughout the day.  Abstinence obliges all Catholics age 14 and over.

If you have a medical condition, please consult your doctor before beginning a fast or abstaining from meat.