Fasting is an important part of the Catholic faith. It is seen as a form of penance and self-denial, allowing Catholics to grow closer to God. There are specific days throughout the liturgical year that Catholics are required to fast, most notably during Lent. However, the Church recognizes that fasting can be difficult for some groups of people, such as the elderly, pregnant women, and young children. Over the centuries, the Catholic Church has established guidelines for when certain groups do not have to follow the traditional fasting regulations.
Background on Fasting in the Catholic Church
Fasting is abstaining from food for a certain period of time. In the Catholic tradition, fasting is used to commemorate important events in Jesus Christ’s life, such as his 40 days of fasting in the desert. Fasting is also seen as a form of penance and self-discipline. By sacrificing physical nourishment, Catholics offer up their hunger in a spiritual sacrifice to God.
Some of the major days when fasting is required in the Catholic Church include:
- Ash Wednesday – Marks the beginning of Lent. Requires fasting and abstinence from meat.
- Good Friday – Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus. Requires fasting and abstinence from meat.
- Lenten Fridays – All Fridays during the season of Lent require abstinence from meat.
- Lent in General – Lent is a 40 day period (not including Sundays) that requires fasting, prayer and almsgiving.
On fast days, Catholics between the ages of 18-59 are required to have only one full meal. Two smaller meals may also be eaten, but they should not equal the size of the full meal. No food should be eaten between meals on fast days.
Young Children Don’t Have to Fast
One of the first exceptions to the fasting rules apply to young children. Recognizing that fasting can be harmful to the health and nutrition of growing kids, the Church stipulates that children do not have start fasting until a certain age.
According to Canon Law 1252, children are not required to follow the laws of fast and abstinence until they reach the “age of reason” or the “age of puberty.” This is generally considered to be age 14.
Therefore, children under the age of 14 do not have to fast on obligatory days like Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. The parents and guardians of children also are not obligated to enforce fasting at an age they deem too young. However, children should still be taught the importance and meaning of fasting in an age-appropriate way.
Age 7 – Fasting Introduction
While not strictly required, many Catholic parents introduce basic fasting to their children around age 7. This can include asking them to give up a favorite toy or treat for the 40 days of Lent. This beginning introduction to fasting helps lay a foundation for fuller participation in fasting at age 14.
Older Adults and Fasting
At the other end of the age spectrum, the Church also provides fasting exceptions for older adults. Recognizing that nutrition and metabolism change as people age, the elderly are not required to fast once they reach a certain age.
According to Canon Law 1252, Catholics who have completed their 60th year are exempt from the obligation of fasting. Once a person turns 60 years old, they are no longer bound by the fasting requirements on days like Ash Wednesday or Good Friday.
Additionally, individual persons over 60 years old can also personally judge whether or not they should still observe the Lenten fast. The elderly are encouraged to speak with their doctor or spiritual adviser to decide if fasting would still be prudent for their health. They may determine it is wise to modify the traditional fasting discipline slightly, while still observing the Lenten spirit of penance and self-denial.
Exceptions for Poor Health
Along with the elderly exemption, Catholics of any age are not required to follow fasting regulations if they have a legitimate health condition that would be negatively impacted by fasting.
Those with medical situations such as diabetes, eating disorders, gastrointestinal issues or other relevant health conditions are not required to put their health at serious risk by fasting. If fasting would do considerable harm, they are encouraged to take a more moderate approach to Lenten fasting tailored to their situation.
As always, consulting with a doctor or priest is recommended if one is unsure about their ability to fast for medical reasons. The Church desires the faithful to participate in fasting when possible, but is realistic about the physical limitations different people face.
Pregnant and Nursing Women
In recognition of their special role in carrying and nourishing life, pregnant and nursing women have traditionally been exempt from fasting in the Catholic Church. Even today, pregnant women and new mothers do not have to follow the required fasts throughout the liturgical year.
This exemption shows care and concern for the well-being of both mother and child. Fasting could have negative health effects on a woman who is eating for two or on an infant who depends on its mother for nutrition. Therefore, pregnant women can enjoy relaxed fasting guidelines throughout their pregnancy and during the nursing stage.
Pregnant Women Fasting Guidelines
Instead of the normal fasting regulations, pregnant women are encouraged to maintain a spirit of moderation and sacrifice during days like Lent. Fasting in a partial way or substituting other forms of self-denial are recommended.
For example, a pregnant woman may choose to give up certain types of food or non-food indulgences during Lent. Or she could limit food intake to only partial fasting for shorter periods of time. Many also choose to spend extra time in prayer or charity work instead of food fasting.
Ultimately, pregnant and nursing mothers should feel at peace knowing they have a legitimate exemption from fasting if their health or the baby’s health would be impaired. They can consult with their doctor or priest for guidance on how to safely observe the Lenten season.
Those Who Are Sick
Along with the above categories, the Catholic Church also exempts those who are ill from the fasting requirement. Anyone with a medical condition that would be worsened by fasting is not bound to observe the food restrictions.
Like pregnant women, those who are sick or recovering from an illness should consult their doctor on how to safely approach fasting. Their health should not be put in serious danger by restricting food intake. People with temporary illnesses can return to normal fasting practices once they recover their health. Those with chronic illnesses should take a more permanently modified approach.
Ultimately, each sick person can prayerfully determine the best way to participate in the spirit of Lent while considering their unique health circumstances. Fasting from food is not morally required if it would cause undue hardship or health risks.
Travelers and Fasting
Historically, Catholics who were traveling were also exempt from fasting. In previous centuries when travel conditions were much more difficult, the Church recognized that fasting could be impractical or impossible for someone on a long journey away from home. They were temporarily excused from fasting while traveling.
In today’s age of planes, trains and automobiles, travel is much simpler than in generations past. Yet still, Canon Law 1254 says that travelers are not required to fast while away from home. One who is visiting another country or location away from their home is exempt from fasting for the duration of their travels.
Like other groups, travelers should still keep the spirit and purpose of fasting in mind even if they rely on the exemption. They can consider other forms of self-denial or increased prayer while not strictly fasting from food during travel.
Soldiers and Necessary Workers
Some professions demand high amounts of physical energy and cannot accommodate fasting from food. Recognizing this difficulty, in 1957 Pope Pius XII exempted certain workers from fasting if it would hinder them in their duties. This included soldiers, manual laborers, and anyone whose job requires hard physical exertion. Examples today would include firefighters, construction workers, coal miners, or other intensive roles.
If fasting from food would seriously undermine their ability to perform a demanding job, they can abstain from the fasting requirement. However, they should consult with their spiritual director to explore alternate forms of self-denial or sacrifice that can be performed without interfering with their duties.
Example of Modified Fasting for Soldiers
For example, a soldier training in strenuous conditions may need to eat small amounts of food at regular intervals to maintain energy. In this case, they could perform a modified fast that allows for the minimum necessary nutrition by eating something small like broth, milk or fruit. The soldier should still uphold the spirit of penance to the extent they are able.
Definition of Fasting for Catholics
To review the definition of fasting in the Catholic Church:
- Abstaining from food for a set period of time
- Only one full meal allowed per fast day
- Two smaller “snacks” allowed, but not equaling a full meal
- No eating between meals
- Drinking water, milk, juice is allowed
- Applies to those ages 18 to 59
- Exemptions for:
- Children under 14
- Elderly over 60
- Pregnant/nursing women
- Those with illnesses
- Travelers
- Some necessary workers
This reflects the typical fasting practices expected of Catholics on penitential days like Lent. Those with legitimate exemptions, such as age or health, are not bound to follow the normal regulations but should still honor the Lenten spirit in other ways if possible.
Reasons for Fasting
It is also helpful to remember why the Catholic Church asks her members to practice fasting:
- Imitates Jesus Christ’s 40 days of fasting
- Follows Biblical examples of fasting for repentance
- Offers up a sacrifice to God
- Fosters self-discipline and self-denial
- Brings us closer to God
- Makes reparation for sins
While fasting can be challenging, it ultimately is intended for the good of Catholics as they grow in holiness and devotion. By putting spiritual nourishment ahead of physical nourishment, the faithful draw nearer to God and walk more closely in Jesus’ footsteps.
Conclusion
In summary, the Catholic Church offers a number of legitimate exemptions from the requirement to fast on certain holy days throughout the year. Children below the age of 14, adults over 60, pregnant and nursing women, the sick, travelers, and some workers with heavy labor are not strictly bound by Catholic fasting guidelines. If fasting would cause significant health issues or other hardships, these groups are not morally obligated to abstain from food. Exempted groups should still strive to honor the spirit of fasting and self-denial in other ways, but they are within their rights not to fast from food if their age or condition warrants it. With these allowances in mind, Catholics can prayerfully observe the meaningful tradition of fasting during Lent and beyond.