Fasting is also a sharp reminder that there are more important things in life than food. Authentic Christian fasting helps to release us from our attachments to the things of this world. It is often these worldly attachments that prevent us from becoming the-best-version-of-ourselves. Fasting also serves as a reminder that everything in this world is passing and thus encourages us to consider life beyond death.

Catholics don’t eat meat on Fridays during Lent, so see if a parish near you has a fish fry and take the opportunity to engage with your community!

Fasting Rules: The Church requires all Catholics from ages 14-59 to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. As long as you are in good health, this means you should only eat one full meal, plus two smaller meals that do not equal a full meal. Catholics age 14 and older do not eat meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays during Lent, including Good Friday.