Diocese of Metuchen issues 2024 Lenten Obligations

So that the Church of Metuchen may be spiritually one in a common observance of Lent, the following obligations are to be observed by all Catholics of the Diocese who enjoy the blessings of good health.

Bishop Checchio has approved this year’s Lenten Regulations.

• The days of both fast and abstinence are Ash Wednesday (February 14) and Good Friday (March 29).
• The other Fridays of Lent (Feb. 16 and 23, Mar. 1, 8, 15, and 22) are days of abstinence.
• Fasting in the Roman Catholic tradition means to limit oneself to one full meal with two smaller meals which together do not equal the size of your full meal.  The obligation of fasting applies only to Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59.
• Abstinence in the Roman Catholic tradition means to abstain from eating meat (beef, chicken, pork, turkey, etc.).  The obligation of abstinence applies to all Catholics who have reached the age of 14.

Note: This year, be aware that Ash Wednesday falls on February 14 (also Valentine’s Day).  The obligation to fast does remain in effect, so it is suggested that those who are planning a special dinner make that their one main meal of the day.

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The Most Rev. James F. Checchio, JCD MBA, Bishop of Metuchen, distributes blessed ashes at an Ash Wednesday service on February 22, 2023, at the Parish of the Immaculate Conception in Somerville (Gerald Wutkowski Jr. / Diocese of Metuchen)