fasting

Father Mateo (76776.306@compuserve.com)
20 Mar 96 01:24:56 EST

960305.04
> From: "Terry" <TJH@age2.age.uiuc.edu>
> Date: Tue, 5 Mar 1996
> Subject: Fasting
>
> Dear Father,
>
> When converting to the Catholic Church last year, I
> understood that fasting is required for one hour before
> receiving Holy Communion but it is all right to drink
> water.
>
> I just recently learned that while fasting during Lent, one
> can drink liquids including water, milk, coffee, etc. Now I
> am confused. Are these liquids also allowed during the one
> hour fast prior to Holy Communion?
>
> Thank you.

Your have "apples and oranges" here! There are two kinds of
fasting, with different purposes and different requirements.

The Eucharistic fast has as its purpose to help us become
recollected for at least a short time before we receive Our Lord
in His Real Presence in Holy Communion. This fast requires that
we abstain from food and drink (except for simple water and
medicine) for at least one hour before receiving Communion.

The Lenten fast has as its purpose self-denial in penance for our
sins. On days of Lenten fast (Ash Wednesday and Good Friday),
one eats only one full, meatless meal each day. The other two
meals must be very small, so that together they do not equal in
quantity a full meal. Between meals, on days of Lenten fast, we
may drink liquids (coffee, tea, juice, water, et al.).

Sincerely in Christ,
Father Mateo

- Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit -

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