About Fasting - Life in the Fast Lane

Fasting moves our minds away from food and earthly desires so that we may focus on Christ and his salvific act, and in turn our faithfulness to God and his Church. Or maybe in simpler terms it is a season wherein we are called to reflect on the great sacrifice of what Christ did for us, and then ask ourselves if we are living lives that honor of that great sacrifice. This is exactly what Lent calls us to do in our spirit of fasting, prayer and repentance.

The rules for fasting for Lent are as follows:

• Every person between the age of 18 and 60 must fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
• In a fast: Catholics may eat only one full meal during the day. Additionally, they may have two smaller meals (which together cannot be more than the full meal).
  
• Church requirements on fasting only relate to solid food, not to drink, so Church law does not restrict the amount of water or other liquids (though of course, having a milk shake, would certainly not be in following the spirit of the fast). 

While the Church does put in age limits, it is commendable for all Catholics of all ages to join in the disciplines of Lent if they are able – no matter their ages.