Regulation of Fasting and Abstinence

The Catholic church requires its members to observe certain dietary rules-fasting and abstinence-in order to recognize and mark the importance of particular days during its liturgical year, as well as to express penance for personal sin. 

  • Generally, the laws of fasting require that on the designated days the person eat just one full meal, two smaller meals, and avoid eating between meals. Abstinence laws require that the person avoid meat altogether.
  • The regulations governing abstinence from meat apply to all Catholics age fourteen and older. Adults up to age sixty are bound by the regulations that govern fasting. Pregnant women and sick people are excused from the regulations.
  • Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of both fasting and abstinence; all the other Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence only.
  • In addition, the church encourages its adult members to observe some form of penance, perhaps including some kind of fast and abstinence, on all Fridays throughout the year.
  • The Church also calls for fasting prior to receiving Communion during the Mass. In this case, the fast helps us prepare our mind and heart for the great gift of the Eucharist by doing something physical to help focus our attention. Church Law calls for the adult Catholic (as defined above) to avoid all food and drink, with the exception of water, for one hour before receiving Communion. Again, this regulation does not apply to sick people or others for whom such restrictions would jeopardize health.

Parts of the Mass

Introductory

  • Entrance
  • Song
  • Greeting
  • Penitential Rite
  • Gloria. Opening Prayer

Liturgy of the Word

  • First Reading
  • Responsorial Psalm
  • Second Reading
  • Gospel Acclamation
  • Gospel
  • Homily
  • Profession of Faith
  • General Intercessions

Liturgy of the Eucharist

  • Preparation of the Altar and the Gifts
  • Prayers over the Gifts
  • Preface
  • Eucharistic Prayer
  • Memorial Acclamation/ Great Amen
  • Communion Rite: Lord's Prayer / Sign of Peace / Breaking of the Bread / Communion / Silence/Song of Praise
  • Prayer after Communion

Concluding Rite

  • Prayer
  • Blessing
  • Dismissal