Have a Poor Man's Meal for Dinner

Fasting is one of the traditional Lenten practices for Catholics. One way to fast is to have a poor man's meal.

Instead of a full dinner, have a simple bowl of soup and a few crackers. This method of fasting is a way to express solidarity with the hungry and homeless in our community.

This meal might leave you feeling a little hungry. Think of how it must feel not to know where your next meal is coming. Feel hungry for the Kingdom of God. Feel hungry for peace and justice in our nation. Feel hungry for Easter.

So consider having a poor man's meal instead of a full meal during Lent. Do it just once. Do it once a week. Or do it daily.

Our social justice ministry at our parish had a Lenten discussion series on racial reconciliation one year. At the series, a poor man's meal was served and participants are asked to make a donation. The proceeds were given to a local soup kitchen program.

Lenten Ideas for Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving

Lent is a time for prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. See some practical suggestions for these three pillars of Lenten practice here.

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Fast and Feast Prayer

This prayer can be found in many variations. It suggests something to fast from and then an alternative to feast upon. We don’t give something up to make ourselves suffer. We give things up for Lent to make room for something better.

Fasting and Abstinence Information for Catholics

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. In addition, Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence.

For members of the Latin Catholic Church, the norms on fasting are obligatory from age 18 until age 59. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal. The norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding upon members of the Latin Catholic Church from age 14 onwards.

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