Expert: George A. Card,sfo, M.I - 2/25/2009

Question
I AM A SENIOR CATHOLIC 75 YEARS OLD. AM I PERMITED TO EAT MEAT ON FRIDAY BY THE CHURCH?

Answer
Peace

dear George,
   

Below is a spelled out answer based on rules, governing U.S. Catholics.

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence. The law of fasting allows one full meal and two smaller ones. The law of abstinence prohibits the eating of meat. Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence in the United States. The obligation of abstinence begins at age 14. The law of fasting obliges all between the ages of 18-59.

Pastors and parents are to see to it that minors, though not bound by the law of fast and abstinence, are educated in the authentic sense of penance and encouraged to do acts of penance suitable to their age. All members of the Christian faithful are encouraged to do acts of penance and charity beyond what is prescribed by the law.

Also note in 1988 US Bishops suggested abstinence on all Fridays to bring the arms race to end, also in the 1990's the cardinals in the US suggested abstinence on all Fridays to combat the evils of Abortion as well.

your servant but Christ's first
                George