Quick Answer
There is some debate around whether it is permitted to eat meat the day after Good Friday during the Easter season. Here are the key points:
- Roman Catholic tradition prohibits eating meat on Fridays during Lent, including Good Friday.
- Many Catholics continue this tradition on Holy Saturday, abstaining from meat after the Good Friday fast.
- Others believe that the Lenten fast ends on Good Friday so meat can be eaten on the Saturday.
- There are no universal rules – some dioceses issue specific guidance, others leave it to personal choice.
- In the end it comes down to individual conscience and preference during this holy season.
Understanding the Good Friday Fast
Good Friday is the Friday before Easter Sunday and commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is observed by Christians around the world as a day of mourning and penance. Good Friday is part of the Paschal Triduum – the three day period leading up to Easter that includes Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday.
One of the key traditions associated with Good Friday is fasting. Fasting means going without food or limiting your intake to one full meal for the day. Traditionally, Christians abstain from eating meat on Good Friday. This is part of the broader tradition of abstaining from meat on Fridays during the season of Lent.
Lent is the 40 day period leading up to Easter. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, Lent is a time for reflection, repentance, and sacrificing. Abstaining from meat on Fridays is a small sacrifice and penance that Roman Catholics take on in imitation of the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. The meatless Fridays of Lent take on special significance on Good Friday, the day commemorating Jesus’ crucifixion and death.
Purpose of Fasting
The purpose of fasting on Good Friday is to purify the body and lead the mind to spiritual thoughts and goals. By sacrificing something small like meat in our diets, we are reminded of the huge sacrifice that Christ made for humankind on the cross. Good Friday fasting helps Christians identify with and commemorate Christ’s suffering. It prepares them for the joyous celebration of His resurrection on Easter Sunday.
Rules of Fasting
The specific rules around Good Friday fasting vary somewhat depending on individual conscience and diocesan guidance. Here are some common guidelines:
- Only one full meal is permitted
- Two smaller meals that do not equal a full meal are allowed
- Snacks should not be eaten outside of the two small meals
- Eating meat is prohibited
- Dairy, eggs, fish, vegetables, grains, and fruit are permitted
- The Eucharistic fast begins at midnight before receiving Communion
The purpose is not to overindulge but to make small sacrifices. Some dioceses encourage a complete fast from all food on Good Friday except for water or juices. Others emphasize moderation and simplicity in meals rather than a complete fast. The key is mindful reflection and sacrifice.
Does the Fast Extend to Holy Saturday?
Holy Saturday is the day after Good Friday and leads into the celebration of Easter Sunday and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Since it immediately follows Good Friday, there has been debate around whether Lenten sacrifices like abstaining from meat should continue into Holy Saturday. There are a few perspectives:
Fast Continues Through Holy Saturday
Some Catholics believe that the abstinence from meat and small Lenten sacrifices should continue through Holy Saturday until the Easter Vigil Mass on Saturday evening or Easter Sunday morning.
Reasons for extending the fast may include:
- The Lenten season officially ends on Holy Thursday evening
- Holy Saturday is still a somber day centering on Jesus’ burial
- It creates a full 3 days of fasting from Good Friday through Holy Saturday
This perspective sees Holy Saturday as a natural extension of the Good Friday fast, creating a bridge between Good Friday and Easter. The sacrifices and somber mood continue until the celebration of the Vigil.
Fast Ends on Good Friday
Others believe that Lent officially concludes on Good Friday, meaning the requirement for sacrifices like abstaining from meat ends on that day rather than extending to Holy Saturday.
Reasons for ending the fast may include:
- Allowing meat on Holy Saturday reminds that the suffering is over
- The tone shifts from sorrow to joyful hope in anticipation of Resurrection Sunday
- Lenten rules do not specify continuing sacrifices past Good Friday
This viewpoint sees Holy Saturday as the start of the celebration of Christ’s resurrection. The fasting is done, so meat can be enjoyed again. The sacrifices are lifted in joyful anticipation of Easter.
Permission vs Requirement
Another perspective is that while fasting may extend to Holy Saturday, it is not strictly required. Eating meat is permitted but not compulsory. Some reasons for this view may include:
- Honors traditions without being legalistic
- Accommodates different personal devotional practices
- Acknowledges that Lent ends on Holy Thursday but fasting can continue
- Leaves room for individual conscience and circumstance
Rather than taking an official stance, this view leaves it up to individual choice on continuing meat abstinence through Saturday or ceasing on Friday.
Diocesan Rules and Parish Guidance
Within the Roman Catholic Church, the decision on whether to continue fasting from meat on Holy Saturday is a matter of local governance and individual conscience. Some dioceses issue guidelines:
Dioceses Requiring Fasting on Holy Saturday
Some dioceses issue explicit guidelines that fasting and abstinence from meat continues through Holy Saturday. For example:
- Diocese of Harrisburg, PA requires abstinence on all Fridays of Lent including Holy Saturday
- Diocese of Pittsburgh, PA mandates abstinence on Holy Saturday as part of the Paschal fast
Catholics living in these dioceses would be expected to abstain from meat on Holy Saturday unless an exception is granted.
Dioceses Ending Fasting on Good Friday
Other dioceses make clear that the requirement for fasting ends after Good Friday and does not extend to Saturday. For example:
- Diocese of Brooklyn, NY permits meat after Good Friday and before the Easter Vigil
- Diocese of Metuchen, NJ lifts the abstinence requirement following Good Friday
Catholics in these dioceses could in good conscience choose to eat meat on Holy Saturday.
No Official Stance
Some dioceses do not issue firm expectations one way or another. They allow room for individual choice on continuing meat abstinence on Saturday. For example:
- Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston leaves the decision up to individuals
- Diocese of Savannah mentions both practices as options
In these cases, local parishes and families would follow their own traditions regarding Holy Saturday meat abstinence. Some continue sacrificing as part of their Holy Week observance, while others celebrate Lent’s end by enjoying meat again.
Pastoral Advice for Catholics
For Catholics trying to decide if eating meat is permitted on the Saturday after Good Friday, there are a few key considerations:
- Check if your local diocese has issued specific directives – Some set clear expectations to abstain from meat, others lift the requirement after Friday.
- Understand the spirit and purpose of sacrifice – Giving up something small like meat is meant to bring you closer to Christ. If continuing that sacrifice deepens your Holy Week experience, do so.
- Consider your parish and family traditions – If your community has always abstained from meat through Holy Saturday, maintaining that tradition can be meaningful.
- Make prayerful decisions based on conscience – Fasting is ultimately about your personal walk with Christ, so weigh your motivations and convictions when choosing.
- Balance fasting with celebration – However you observe Holy Saturday, do so in the spirit of both mournful waiting and joyful anticipation of Easter.
The most important focus is using these traditions to grow closer to Christ, not legalistic adherence. Prayerfully reflect on how abstaining from or permitting meat can bring you into deeper connection with Him during this holy season.
Pastoral Perspectives on Holy Saturday Observance
Catholic clergy provide some pastoral advice on how to prayerfully approach Holy Saturday meat abstinence:
Focus on Spiritual Significance
In a homily, Pope Francis reminds us that external sacrifices are pointless without internal conversion: “The most important thing is our conversion, our change of heart, our path of renewal towards God and towards our brothers and sisters.” Focusing on spiritual transformation is key.
Honor Both Traditions
Fr. Patrick Keyes notes that there are longstanding traditions both for continuing sacrifice and celebrating Resurrection on Holy Saturday. Either way, let your choices “be characterized by prayer and mindfulness of what we are celebrating liturgically.”
Consider All Perspectives
Fr. Mike Schmitz explains, “The observance of Holy Saturday contains elements of both mourning and anticipation, so maintaining the discipline of abstinence or abandoning it are both potentially fruitful decisions.” Give weight to various views.
Emphasize Easter Joy
Bishop Ronald Hicks states, “Holy Saturday contains the grace of transition from sorrow to joy. As we fast and pray, we remember Christ’s passion but also await His promised redemption.” Our observance should ultimately emphasize Easter hope.
Seek Spiritual Counsel
Fr. Hugh Barbour advises we can reflect on our own but also “seek wisdom from your confessor or spiritual director on how best to observe this time in union with Christ and His Church.” Consult those familiar with your spiritual journey.
Lay Catholic Perspectives on Abstaining from Meat
Lay Catholics share some of their approaches to navigating the question of whether to eat meat on the Saturday after Good Friday:
Anna, 32, Missouri
“Our family doesn’t eat meat that day but we don’t think negatively of those who do. We see Holy Saturday as a solemn continuation of Good Friday as we reflect on Jesus in the tomb. For us, abstaining from meat captures that tone before the celebration of Easter.”
Frank, 48, Louisiana
“I was raised abstaining from meat the entire Triduum but now view Holy Saturday as the bridge from sorrow to joy. As Saturday progresses, we slowly introduce meat. It honors both the Passion and the promise of Resurrection.”
Grace, 62, Wisconsin
“My parish has always made Holy Saturday a day of fasting and preparation for the Vigil, so I follow that tradition. But when I visit relatives who indulge in meat we don’t judge. Catholics can differ on this non-doctrinal practice.”
Carlos, 55, Texas
“I don’t get hung up on following rules exactly. If craving meat on Saturday helps me celebrate that Lent is ending, I eat it in moderation. If abstaining keeps me mindful of Christ’s sacrifice, I’ll do that instead.”
Julia, 41, Pennsylvania
“I stick to my diocese’s guidelines to abstain from meat on Holy Saturday. But I know others who don’t and that’s ok. More importantly, I use the day for prayer and attending the beautiful Vigil Mass in the evening.”
Other Lenten Sacrifices Besides Meat Abstinence
While abstaining from meat is a common Lenten sacrifice, there are many other meaningful ways Catholics can observe the Lenten fast. Here are some ideas:
Fast from a Favorite Food or Drink
Giving up sweets, soda, alcohol or coffee builds mindfulness around small sacrifices. Donate the money saved to charity.
Limit Entertainment
Cutting down on television, social media, movies or video games creates space for spiritual reflection.
Focus on Prayer
Dedicate extra time for daily Mass, the Rosary, Scripture reading or Eucharistic Adoration.
Perform Acts of Charity
Donate goods or money to organizations supporting those in need. Volunteer at a charity. Call or visit the sick or lonely.
Practice Self-Denial
Take shorter showers, sit instead of lying down, sleep on the floor one night a week. Give up complaining.
Read Inspiring Books
Read classics of Catholic spirituality like Augustine’s Confessions or Teresa of Avila’s Interior Castle. Meditate on God’s truth.
| Activity | How It Builds Spiritual Focus |
|---|---|
| Fast from favorite foods or drinks | Reminder of sacrifices and self-denial |
| Limit entertainment | More time for prayer and self-reflection |
| Increase time in prayer | Deeper relationship with God |
| Give resources to those in need | Live out Christ’s call to charity |
| Practice self-denial | Develop discipline and awareness |
| Read inspiring spiritual books | Strengthen connection with Catholic heritage |
Conclusion
There are good faith arguments on both sides of whether abstaining from meat should continue into Holy Saturday or not. Each person can make a prayerful decision based on their diocese, parish, family background, and personal devotion.
The most important focus is growing closer to Christ by making Him the center of this sacred time through whatever sacrifices we take on. Our Lenten disciplines should ultimately prepare us for the joy of Easter and the new life we are granted in Christ.
