Several years ago, after becoming affiliated with a group of devout Catholic homeschooling moms, it came to my attention that we (Catholics) are currently obliged to abstain from meat on all Fridays during the year. When I first caught wind of this bit, I thought these must be some pre-Vatican II ladies I had come in contact with. After all, there are many out there. But no, these were just well-informed, modern-day, Pope-following Catholics. How had I missed this important fact in all my adult years? As a cradle Catholic, I abstained on Fridays during Lent, but I was certain that the church had "called off" abstaining on all Fridays in the years when I was a young child. Never could I remember abstaining when I was young, and my parents were pretty by-the-book Catholics. I brought this slip-up to the attention of my mother and she assured me that Catholics were no longer obliged to abstain on Fridays.
Well, I did a little research on my own, and lo and behold, Catholics have never been excused from abstention on Fridays. This fact is just one of the many facts about my faith that I have (re)discovered since I began homeschooling my children using a solid Catholic curriculum.
Code of Canon Law 1251 states: Abstinence from meat, or from some other food as determined by the Episcopal Conference, is to be observed on all Fridays, unless a solemnity should fall on a Friday. Abstinence and fasting are to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
Since that time, I have been abstaining. And while it really is easy to abstain from meat on Fridays all year, my family starts to balk at Tuna Noodle Casserole after about once a month.
Thus, the reason for this post. Yesterday, when I was searching all my Internet sources and stacks of cookbooks for new ideas for meatless Fridays, I came across this fabulous source from Catholic Culture. It's a great resource to have and I thought I'd share with my Catholic e-friends. Since I have to watch my budget, Baked Sea Bass with Lobster Sauce is out of the question, but, at least I won't run out of ideas any time soon.
NOTE: You may need to register with Catholic Culture to access the page. It's free and worthwhile.
Didn't you feel a bit betrayed by all the adults in your life when you learned the truth? Of course, they were lied to, too...
ReplyDeleteI've known about this for quite a long while, but Friday is pizza night, and I like pepperoni and sausage. It's just an excuse, I know, but it's mine and I'm keeping it for now. Not forever, just for now.
ReplyDeleteMichelle, I really feel that our clergy let us (all Catholics) down by not bringing this to light. Of course, they know that most people don't abstain, just like they know that so many Catholics don't attend Mass every Sunday. It's a cop out to not educate church faithful on doctrine. But they (clergy) are so worried about turning people away from the church. I say let them go. Make the church stronger.
ReplyDeleteAfter doing some self educating I discovered this even before going through the RCIA program. It made sense to me to go meatless at least one day a week. When the kids want pizza we can have a plain cheese or there are many good veggie pizzas too. They like fish sticks, potato patties, grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup, salmon alfedo noodles, and there is a lentil/rice patty recipe that I'd like to try soon too. They know I like to experiment sometimes so I don't force them to eat, so they make themselves pb&j's.
ReplyDeleteJennie, it does say "or from some other food," and while I am not qualified to interpret Canon Law, I THINK that means you can substitute. My Catholic guilt would have me seeking permission -- but that's just me. :o)
ReplyDeleteI moved pizza night to Thursday just because I didn't want to give up pepperoni and sausage!! My sister moved hers to Saturday for the same reason. See, Jennie, no more excuses!
ReplyDeleteYou are some really good friends, you know that? I'll see about making the change while David is gone...he's a bit slower on these things.
ReplyDelete