St Joseph Catholic Church
Rockdale, IL

Days of Abstinence (Current Practice):

·Abstinence begins on one’s 14th birthday.

·Ash Wednesday and the Fridays of Lent

·Obliges abstention of flesh meat (and meat products).

Days of Penance (Current Practice):

·Applies to all the Faithful

·Lent and Fridays outside Lent

·Obligation is lifted on days celebrated as solemnities

·January 22 (USA): Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children

Days of Fast (Current Practice):

·Applies to everyone aged 18 to 59

·One full meal permitted and two other meals may be taken which, when combined, are less than one full meal

·Ash Wednesday and Good Friday

Please be aware that under certain circumstances, fasting is not obligatory, e.g. for diabetics; those with particular dietary restrictions; physicians’ directions.