Home/Stay Informed/All Diocesan Articles

All Diocesan Articles

Fasting - Abstinence - Lenten Meals

Posted on March 01, 2022 in: Lent, Around the Diocese

Fasting - Abstinence - Lenten Meals

Fasting & Abstinence

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

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 Catholic Church from age 14 onwards.

Churches Offering Friday Lenten Meals

Are you looking for a break from cooking? Here are a number of churches that will do the cooking for you — and they’ll even serve it with a smile!

Fish & Chips

St. John, Plainfield                                         
4 PM - 7 PM        

St. Mary Church of the Visitation, Clinton
6 PM – 8 PM     

St. Patrick, East Hampton           
4:30 PM – 7 PM

Our Lady of Lourdes, Gales Ferry             
See Bulletin for Times   

Soup

St. Mary Church, Coventry
6 PM – Soup Before Stations at 7 PM

St. Mary, Portland
6 PM – Soup before Stations at 7 PM

Please check Parish Bulletin at all locations for prices and Covid restrictions/requirements.
Don't see your church's fish dinner listed? Send us the details at editorial@norwichdiocese.net

Here are a few videos regarding the topic of fasting

Looking for additional resources to help you prepare for Easter?
Bookmark the link below and visit it often as you observe the wonderful season of Lent!
NorwichDiocese.org/Lent

Most Viewed Articles of the Last 30 Days

Calendar of Events

Posted on April 11, 2025 in: Events, Around the Diocese

29419

Watch the 2025 Chrism Mass and Homily by Archbishop Christopher J. Coyne
The 2025 Chrism Mass was celebrated on Wednesday, April 16th, at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich. The Most Rev. Christopher J. Coyne, Apostolic Administrator for the Diocese of Norwich, presided over the sacred liturgy, which marks a highlight of Holy Week. This special Mass featured the blessing of the holy oils—used throughout the year for sacraments such as Baptism, Confirmation, Anointing of the Sick, and Holy Orders—and the Renewal of Priestly Promises by the clergy of the Diocese. We invite you to watch the video of the full Mass, especiall...

Read More

Holy Week Schedule of Masses — Cathedral of Saint Patrick
Holy Week Masses Cathedral of Saint Patrick Masses will be live-streamed as indicated by * NorwichDiocese.org/Masses   Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord April 13 7:30am + 9am + 10:30am* + 5pm Vigil Saturday, April 12th, 5pm   Chrism Mass Wednesday, April 16 10:30 am* No 12 pm Mass, no confessions   Holy Thursday Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper April 17 Mass of the Lord's Supper, 7 pm* Confessions Following Service No 12 pm Mass   Good Friday  The Passion of the Lord ...

Read More

Easter Vigil Spreads the Light of Christ

Posted on April 19, 2025 in: Lent

382

Easter Vigil Spreads the Light of Christ
The warm glow of candlelight washed over all gathered in the darkened Cathedral of Saint Patrick for the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, April 19th. The Liturgy of Light (Lucernarium) commenced as Father Peter Langevin and ministers proceeded in silence and darkness to the rear of the Cathedral. There, Fr. Langevin spoke to the faithful about the significance of the vigil before bestowing a blessing upon the new fire, which would be used to light the Paschal candle. Father Brian Romanowski then carried the lighted candle down the main aisle into the dimly-lit Cathedral...

Read More

Supporting Life: Birthright of Windham Continues Vital Mission Amid Financial Challenges
For 35 years, Birthright of Windham has been a steadfast source of hope for women facing unplanned pregnancies, offering compassionate care rooted in Catholic moral teachings. In 2024 alone, the organization provided support to over 1,000 women and their babies, distributing essentials such as diapers, baby formula, clothing, and other necessities—all free of charge. With a small team—just one director and two full-time volunteers, none of whom are paid—Birthright operates with remarkable efficiency on a modest annual budget of $40,000. And yet, the imp...

Read More

From the Archbishop: The Resurrection Gives Us Hope
Hello there. I offer an early Easter message to you. “Christ Is Alive! He is our hope, and in a wonderful way he brings youth to our world. His very first words, then, that I would like to say to every young Christian are these: Christ is alive and he wants you to be alive!” With these words, Pope Francis began an address to young people with the very first message found in the earliest preaching of the Church — in the words of St. Peter, “God raised this Jesus; of this we are all witnesses.” (Acts 2:32) Peter and all of the ancient saint...

Read More

Annual Catholic Appeal

ACA DONATE

English

Español

 

Latest Articles
‘Death is not the End of Everything’: Vatican Releases Pope’s Reflections on Aging, Dying
Pope's Funeral Set for April 26, Public Viewing April 23-25
Pope Francis Remembered: Statement from Archbishop Coyne
Pope Francis dies at 88, Ending Historic Pontificate Marked by Mercy and Reform
Easter Vigil Spreads the Light of Christ
Celebrating Our Faithful Servants: Priestly Jubilees of 2025
From the Archbishop: The Resurrection Gives Us Hope
Watch the 2025 Chrism Mass and Homily by Archbishop Christopher J. Coyne
Recently Added Galleries
Click to view album: Students Called to Feed the Hungry
Click to view album: 40 Days for Life 2024
Click to view album: Blessing of the Fleet 2024
Click to view album: Mass of Ordination for Fr. Eric Carl Hosmer, Fr. Julian Felipe Cuervo-Lozada and Fr. Alexander James Pandolfe
Signup for Weekly Newsletter

     

    Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich
    201 Broadway
    Norwich, CT 06360-4328
    Phone: 860-887-9294