Abstinence

Catholics over 14 years of age are bound to the  obligations of abstinence. Abstinence (no meat) is to be observed on Ash Wednesday, Fridays of Lent and Good Friday. 
 
Fasting
Catholics over the age of 18 and up to the beginning of their 60th year are bound to the obligation of fasting. Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and all Fridays of Lent, are defined as the days of fasting. On these days, only 1 full meatless meal is allowed. Two other meatless meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to each one’s needs, but together they should not equal another full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted; but liquids, including milk and fruit juices, are allowed.
 
The Sacred Paschal Fast
The Paschal Fast should also be kept sacred. It is to be celebrated everywhere on the Friday of the Lord’s Passion and, where appropriate, prolonged also through Holy Saturday as a way of coming, with spirit uplifted, to the joys of the Lord’s Resurrection.  
 
Dispensation for 2023
This year, the Feast of St. Patrick, the patron saint of our Archdiocese, falls on a Friday during Lent. Given the importance of this feast in the life of the Archdiocese and in the lives of many Catholics, Cardinal Sean is granting dispensation from the Friday Lenten abstinence on March 17, 2023, to those who wish to take advantage of this opportunity. This is a one day only dispensation.