Three Pillars of Lent: Prayer, Fasting, Almsgiving

FASTING: Fasting helps us focus on God as the greatest importance in our lives. Other things we can do without. It unites us with our Lord Jesus who fasted in the desert for 40 days. Sometimes we are called to give up a food item, like candy or soda. Sometimes we are called to give up something which is occupying our time, like video games or endless checking on social media.  This is a good time to think about what is ruling your life. Where is your attention drawn? What is occupying your time and thoughts? Give that thing up. And then when Lent is over, contemplate where your focus went when you no longer had that thing. Were you more able to focus on God and others? If so, try not to let the thing you gave up take over your life again. If you go back to it, keep it under control and in check. 
 

So, what could you and your family do with FASTING this Lent? 

Fasting from food is one choice. Here is some information about fasting from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops as well as a chart that explains the difference between fasting and abstinence and also provides the rules about WHO should FAST from WHAT foods.

Days of Abstinence: Refrain from eating meat
Days of Fasting: One full meal and two smaller meals, which together equal less than one full meal

Note: This year, the Bishop has granted dispensation from abstinence for Friday, March 17th. See the bishop's letter here.

Q.  I understand that all the Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence from meat, but I'm not sure what is classified as meat.  Does meat include chicken and dairy products?
A.  Abstinence laws consider that meat comes only from animals such as chickens, cows, sheep or pigs --- all of which live on land. Birds are also considered meat. Abstinence does not include meat juices and liquid foods made from meat. Thus, such foods as chicken broth, consomme, soups cooked or flavored with meat, meat gravies or sauces, as well as seasonings or condiments made from animal fat are technically not forbidden. However, moral theologians have traditionally taught that we should abstain from all animal-derived products (except foods such as gelatin, butter, cheese and eggs, which do not have any meat taste). Fish are a different category of animal. Salt and freshwater species of fish, amphibians, reptiles, (cold-blooded animals) and shellfish are permitted. (SPEAKING OF FISH... DID YOU KNOW THAT ST. MARY'S SCHOOL HAS TEAMED UP WITH NOLAN'S TO OFFER FISH FRY FRIDAYS EVERY FRIDAY IN LENT? See below for more information.)

Q.  I understand that Catholics ages 18 to 59 should fast on Ash Wednesday and on Good Friday, but what exactly are the rules for these fasts?
A.  Fasting on these days means we can have only one full, meatless meal. Some food can be taken at the other regular meal times if necessary, but combined they should be less than a full meal. Liquids are allowed at any time, but no solid food should be consumed between meals.

Q.  Are there exemptions other than for age from the requirement to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday?
A.  Those that are excused from fast and abstinence outside the age limits include the physically or mentally ill including individuals suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes. Also excluded are pregnant or nursing women. In all cases, common sense should prevail, and ill persons should not further jeopardize their health by fasting.

For additional resources, click here

Fasting from poor behavior and changing habits is another choice.

Why do we fast?
Christian tradition can name at least seven reasons for fasting:

1. From the beginning, God commanded some fasting, and sin entered into the world because Adam and Eve broke the fast.
2. For the Christian, fasting is ultimately about fasting from sin.
3. Fasting reveals our dependence on God and not the resources of this world.
4. Fasting is an ancient way of preparing for the Eucharist—the truest of foods.
5. Fasting is preparation for baptism (and all the sacraments)—for the reception of grace.
6. Fasting is a means of saving resources to give to the poor.
7. Fasting is a means of self-discipline, chastity, and the restraining of the appetites.