Lent in Southwest Louisiana: What Every Catholic Needs to Know

LAFAYETTE, La. (KPEL News) - You will be hard-pressed to find a more devout group of Catholics than those here in Southwest Louisiana. During Lent, which lasts from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday, Catholics follow several rules and traditions related to fasting, abstinence, prayer, and almsgiving. Here’s a breakdown of the main rules from the US Conference of Catholic Bishops Lent Guide:

1. Fasting (Applies to Catholics Ages 18-59)

• Required only on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
• Catholics must limit themselves to one full meal and two smaller meals that together do not equal a full meal.
• No snacking between meals.
• Exemptions: Those who are pregnant, nursing, or have health conditions are not required to fast.

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2. Abstinence from Meat (Applies to Catholics Ages 14 and Older)

• No meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and all Fridays during Lent.
• Includes beef, pork, chicken, and other land animals.
• Fish, seafood, eggs, dairy, and plant-based proteins are allowed.
• Exemptions: Those who are ill or have dietary restrictions.

3. Increased Prayer and Spiritual Discipline

• Catholics are encouraged to pray more (e.g., attend Mass more frequently, pray the Rosary, read Scripture).
• Many participate in the Stations of the Cross on Fridays.
• Confession (Sacrament of Reconciliation) is highly encouraged during Lent.

4. Almsgiving and Acts of Charity

• Lent is a time to help the poor and perform acts of kindness.
• Many Catholics donate to charities, volunteer, or give up luxuries to support others.

5. Voluntary Acts of Sacrifice (Not Required but Encouraged)

• Many Catholics give up something (e.g., sweets, social media, alcohol, unnecessary spending).
• Others may add something positive, like daily Bible reading or acts of kindness.

These rules help Catholics focus on repentance, self-discipline, and preparing spiritually for Easter Sunday, the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection.

A great way to stay on top of everything Lent related is the Hallow App. There you can find guides on how to pray, and challenges to participate in throughout the year.

So what are you giving up or doing this year for Lent?