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Archdiocese of Newark: Lenten Regulations for 2026

February 9, 2026 // Announcements

During the 40 days of Lent, Catholics are called to deepen their relationship with Christ through prayer, reflection and repentance. Two principal forms of Lenten penance observed by the Church are fasting (eating less) and abstinence (refraining from meat).

The Lenten season begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18, and continues until sundown on Holy Thursday, April 2, 2026. The following regulations, approved by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, are intended to guide the faithful in observing fast and abstinence. These obligations apply to Catholics who are in good health.

DAYS OF FAST AND ABSTINENCE

  • Ash Wednesday (February 18) and Good Friday (April 3) are days of both fast and abstinence.
  • The Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence from meat.

The Church also encourages, when possible, the continuation of the fast from Good Friday until the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night. This is known as the Paschal Fast, observed in honor of the Lord’s suffering and death and in preparation for celebrating His Resurrection. 

Fasting:

  • On a day of Fast, one full meal is permitted. Two smaller meals may also be taken, provided that together they do not exceed the main meal. Eating between meals is not permitted.
  • Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59 are obliged to fast.

Abstinence:

  • On days of abstinence, Catholics may not eat meat.
  • Catholics who have reached the age of 14 are obliged to observe abstinence.

SERIOUSNESS OF THE OBLIGATION

The obligation to observe the laws of fast and abstinence as a whole is a serious matter. Those who are ill or whose health would be harmed by fasting or abstinence are excused from these obligations.

FRIDAYS OUTSIDE OF LENT

All Fridays of the year, outside of Lent, are designated as days of penance. On these days, Catholics may substitute abstinence from meat with another form of voluntary self-denial or penance.

THE PASCHAL PRECEPT (EASTER DUTY)

The time for fulfilling the Paschal Precept, commonly known as the Easter Duty, extends from the First Sunday of Lent, February 22, through the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, May 31, 2026.

Canon 920, §1 states: All the faithful, after they have been initiated into the Most Holy Eucharist, are bound by the obligation of receiving Holy 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. 

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