2026 Lenten Season: Guidelines and Obligations

As we prepare to enter the holy season of Lent, the Diocese of Metuchen has released the official regulations for 2026 to help the faithful observe this time of prayer, penance, and reflection.

Lent is an invitation to deepen our relationship with Christ through intentional sacrifice. To assist you in your Lenten journey, please take note of the following fasting and abstinence requirements.

Key Dates for Fast and Abstinence
During Lent, certain days are set aside for specific spiritual disciplines regarding food:

• Ash Wednesday (February 18): A day of both fasting and abstinence.
• Good Friday (April 3): A day of both fasting and abstinence.
• Lenten Fridays: All other Fridays during Lent (Feb. 20, 27, and Mar. 6, 13, 20, 27) are days of abstinence.

The Church provides specific definitions for what it means to fast and abstain:

1. Fasting

• What it is: Limiting oneself to one full meal, plus two smaller meals that together do not exceed the size of the full meal.
• Who it applies to: Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59.

2. Abstinence

• What it is: Refraining from eating meat (such as beef, chicken, pork, and turkey).
• Who it applies to: All Catholics 14 years of age and older.

We wish all the faithful of the Diocese of Metuchen a fruitful and transformative Lenten season