Archdiocese of Newark 2024 Lenten regulations

February 9, 2024 // Announcements

Lent is the 40-day season during which Catholics pray, fast, and repent to deepen their faith in preparation for Easter. This year, Lent takes place from Ash Wednesday, February 14, through sundown on Holy Thursday, March 28.

In observance of Lent, the following obligations were approved by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R. for Catholics of the Archdiocese of Newark who enjoy the blessings of good health:

The days of both fast and abstinence are Ash Wednesday (Feb. 14) and Good Friday (March 29). If possible, the fast on Good Friday is continued until the Easter Vigil (on Holy Saturday night) as the “paschal fast” to honor the suffering and death of the Lord Jesus and to prepare ourselves to share more fully and to celebrate His Resurrection more readily.
The other Fridays of Lent (Feb. 16 and 23, March 1, 8, 15, and 22) are days of abstinence.
On a day of fast, Catholics are limited to one (1) full meal and two (2) smaller meals, which together should not exceed the size of the full meal.
The obligation of fasting applies only to Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59.

*Canon 920, §1. All the faithful, after they have been initiated into the Most Holy Eucharist, are bound by the obligation of receiving Communion at least once a year.

For Lenten resources, visit rcan.org/lent-resources/. If you have questions about Lent or Lenten obligations, speak with your local pastor. For more about Lent, visit the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) website.