40 Days of Fasting
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As many know, Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence. In addition to these specific days, Catholics of age are also invited to fast from food or worldly pleasures in order to deepen their hunger and desire for Christ. Fasting and abstinence during the Lenten season gives Catholics an opportunity to enter into a simpler and more intentional way of living.
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Who Should Fast & Abstain?Abstinence is obligatory after reaching the age of 14.
Fasting becomes obligatory from age 18 until midnight of one’s 59th birthday.
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What is Fasting & Abstinence?When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal. Liquids, including tea, coffee and juices, may be taken at any time.
Abstinence means refraining from eating meat as an act of penance. St Augustine says of abstainence that it "purifies the soul, elevates the mind, subordinates the flesh to the spirit, begets a humble and contrite heart, scatters the clouds of concupiscence, extinguishes the fire of lust, and enkindles the true light of chastity."
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When Should I Fast & Abstain?
Ash Wednesday & Good Friday are required days of fasting and abstainence for Catholics.
All Fridays of Lent are required days of abstinence.
Throughout the year, Catholics are encouraged to abstain from meat on all Fridays.
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What Shoud I Give Up for Lent?Abstaining from certain activities and items are an essential part of spiritual growth. During Lent, when we "give up" things, it ought to be for the right reasons. Rather than losing weight or because it's bad for us anyway, choosing a Lenten penance should teach us how to discipline our bodies and minds, so that we can be open to heavenly realities beyond our appetities. With this is mind, it's possible to choose something beyond "no dessert" or "no diet Coke". Here are a few ideas to get you started:
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To Give Up
- Shopping at "big box" stores for "enjoyment"
- Listening to the radio, music, or podcasts in the car
- Social Media Interaction
- Hitting the "snooze" button
- Netflix or Video Streaming Services
- Using makeup
To Simplify- Adopt a "Lenten Wardrobe" of only a few items.
- Dock your Phone when you get home rather than keeping it on you.
- Drink your coffee black.
- Read and pray before bed.
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Fasting Resources
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A rosary Novena for Vocations
The Vocations Office invites individuals, families, small groups and parishes in the Diocese of Baton Rouge to download this E-Book and join us in this necessary work of prayer and fasting during this Lenten season specifically for an increase of religious vocations in our diocese.
Get the e-book free!
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