If you’re like many Catholics, it’s a question you ask yourself year after year. After all, the Roman Catholic Lent fasting rules aren’t easy to remember.
Personally, I grew up in a Protestant family that never celebrated Lent. (Our church didn’t either.) As a result, I never knew or thought much about it.
We worshipped Jesus and celebrated Easter (and still do), but we never did anything special or out-of-the-ordinary to prepare our hearts for Easter or the Resurrection, the way many Catholics do today with their liturgical calendar.
So when I married into a Catholic family (who DOES follow all of the Catholic Lent fasting rules), I had a lot of learning to do–and quick!
Unfortunately for me, I found the process of trying to figure out all the Catholic Lent fasting rules really confusing and frustrating.
I couldn’t find one single comprehensive guide that explains all of the Roman Catholic Lent rules in an easy-to-understand way. All the articles I found were confusing and full of Catholic jargon, or they only answered one specific question regarding the Catholic Lent fasting rules.
Thankfully, after lots of research, I did eventually figure out what you can eat during Lent. And now I’m excited to share this comprehensive, easy-to-understand Roman Catholic Fasting Rules Guide with you!
First, let’s start with a simple overview and a couple of definitions. Then, we’ll get into all the details throughout the rest of this post.
As the Lenten season approaches observant Catholics begin pondering what foods they’ll give up or abstain from for the 40 days leading up to Easter. For many the first question that arises is can I eat turkey during Lent?
Lent represents a time of fasting and sacrifice in preparation for the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. While the rules vary based on individual custom and interpretation, most Catholics avoid eating meat on certain Lenten days, especially Fridays. But does turkey count as meat in the eyes of the Catholic church?
Below we will explore the Catholic church’s official stance on eating turkey and other meats during the Lenten fasting period Keep reading to understand the full guidelines around meat consumption so you can honor your faith properly this Lent.
Key Points on Consuming Turkey for Lent:
- Turkey and other birds are considered meat and therefore restricted on no-meat days.
- On Lenten Fridays, Catholics 14+ must avoid meat but can substitute another sacrifice.
- Good Friday and Ash Wednesday have stricter rules prohibiting all meat.
- Meat includes flesh of warm-blooded animals like beef, pork, and poultry.
- Fish and cold-blooded animals like shellfish are allowed during Lent.
- The rules ultimately depend on individual interpretation and church authority.
What Does the Catholic Church Say About Eating Turkey in Lent?
According to traditional Catholic teaching, turkey is off limits on Lenten Fridays and other no-meat days as it falls under the definition of meat.
The Catholic practice of abstaining from meat stems back to the early centuries of Christianity. Jesus Christ sacrificed his flesh for humanity’s sins on a Friday, so Catholics honor this by refraining from flesh meat each Friday as a form of sacrifice.
The Catholic church places warm-blooded land animals like cows, pigs, and poultry into the meat category. So foods like beef, pork, chicken, and turkey count as “meat” and should not be consumed on meat-restricted Lenten days.
Key Lenten Days to Avoid Meat:
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Fridays During Lent: Catholics age 14+ should abstain from meat on all Fridays in Lent.
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Ash Wednesday: No meat consumption on the first day of Lent.
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Good Friday: Strictly no meat on the Friday before Easter.
So if you’re observing a traditional Catholic Lent, turkey and other poultry should be avoided on these key no-meat days. Read on for a deeper look into the rules and their meaning.
Why Do Catholics Avoid Meat During Lent?
Abstaining from meat for Lent has significance in Catholic tradition. Here are the main reasons behind this sacrifice:
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To honor Jesus Christ’s sacrifice of his flesh on Good Friday
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A form of penance and self-denial
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To practice simplicity and austerity
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To turn away from sinful behaviors
By giving up items like meat, Catholics are reminded of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice every Friday. It also represents discipline and remembrance during this solemn preparatory period.
What Other Foods Are Restricted for Lent?
Aside from flesh meat from warm-blooded animals, traditional Lent avoids other indulgent foods like:
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Sweets and desserts
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Alcohol
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Fried and fatty foods
By eliminating decadent items, observers follow the call to fast during Lent’s 40 days leading up to Easter Sunday.
What Foods Are Allowed During Lent?
Not all animal products are forbidden in Lent. Here are some food items Catholics may eat:
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Fish and other cold-blooded sea creatures (salmon, tuna, shrimp, lobster etc.)
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Eggs and dairy products
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Fruits, vegetables, grains
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Meat broths and sauces
Lenten meals often consist of simple, vegetarian dishes or seafood. Creative, sacrificial meatless cooking is embraced.
Individual Interpretation of Fasting Differs
Ultimately, Lenten sacrifice comes down to personal conscience and interpretation. Many Catholics choose to adopt a vegan or vegetarian diet for the full 40 days. Others follow a flexitarian or pescatarian path.
Some believers only avoid red meat while allowing poultry, and vice versa. The bishops in certain countries may relax the rules around meat on Lenten Fridays. There is flexibility according to circumstance.
The best guidance comes from prayer, guidance of clergy, and carefully examining your inner spirit during this contemplative time of the liturgical year.
Can Catholics Substitute Other Sacrifices in Lent?
According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, abstaining from meat on Lenten Fridays is still the ideal. However, Catholics can choose to take on a different sacrifice or act of penance instead.
For example, someone may give up sweets, alcohol, luxuries or eat simpler meals on Fridays rather than eliminating meat. The bishops still recommend particularly honoring Good Friday with the traditional meat abstinence.
Ultimately, Lent represents a period of self-reflection, discernment and renewal of faith. The choices around fasting should align with this forty day spiritual journey.
In the end, how you observe Lent is a personal matter between you and God. Be true to your spirit, faithfully follow your church community’s guidelines and embrace the opportunity for growth this penitential season offers.
If eliminating turkey and other meats brings you closer to Christ’s sacrifice this Lent, then abstain in honor and celebration of this holy time. But the most important focus is always on the condition of your heart and soul during these 40 days.
Let your Lenten fasting provide time for prayer, simplify life’s clutter and renew your commitment to walk more closely with God. Through sacrifice or substitution, embrace your faith’s call to a reverent Lent.
What is Abstinence During Lent?
During Lent, “abstinence” means choosing not to eat meat or products that contain pieces of meat on certain days of abstinence.
According to the Roman Catholic Lent rules, Catholics 14 years of age and older are required to practice abstinence (from meat) on Ash Wednesday, Fridays during Lent, and Good Friday (unless a solemnity falls on one of those days). This doesn’t include all animal products, however.
Do You Fast Everyday During Lent?
Catholics only fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday during Lent, not every day. Catholics fast by eating one regular meal and two small meals (that equal less than one regular meal) with no snacks in between. Fasting does not mean no food all day, and fasting is not a requirement if the Friday falls on a Solemnity.
The Breakdown: Why don’t Catholics eat meat during Lent?
FAQ
Can you eat turkey and chicken during Lent?
What meat is OK during Lent?
Can I eat turkey on Good Friday?
Is Turkey part of Lent?