Fasting Fridays

As Catholics, we engage in the practicing of fasting and abstinence, most often associated with refraining from eating   food at particular times. For example, we practice fasting from food on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, when we have much smaller meals, and we abstain from meat on all Lenten Fridays.

The intent of this practice is to help us to draw closer to Christ by creating a space for him and by recognizing that only God can truly satisfy our spiritual hunger.  But fasting doesn't have to be limited just to food!  We can practice fasting from other things and experiences as well, especially those that get in the way of our connecting with Christ.

Each Friday this Lent, we'll be encouraging you to fast from something and to see what happens in your relationships with God, yourself and others.

This Friday, we're inviting you to fast from being "entertained," whether means refraining from listening to the radio, watching a movie or TV, or even reading a fun book. 

Instead, take that time to engage with your heart and spirit: spend some time in prayer with God; tune into the St. Monica Stations of the Cross; go for a walk and be present to the nature around you; or write a heartfelt email or letter, or make a phone call to someone whom you haven't connected with in a while.