Skip to main content

Featured Post

RNG Bank Salary Loan Table for DepEd Teachers

Salary Loan Table - RNG Coastal Bank RNG Bank offers salary loan for permanent DepEd teaching and non-teaching staff thru Automatic Payroll Deduction System (APDS). Features: 📍LOW INTEREST RATE 📍LOAN AMOUNT UP TO 500,000 📍5 YEARS MAXIMUM LOAN TERM 📍NO HIDDEN CHARGES 📍NO NEED TO GO TO THE OFFICE A Bank that is built with trust and integrity and committed to provide quality and safe banking services to its existing and future clients, RNG Coastal Bank, Inc . is a banking institution established in the year 1974. The Bank has 15 operating branches in the Visayas, 11 in Cebu and 4 in Bohol. Providing various financial products and services to its clients for almost 50 years, RNG Coastal Bank remains strong and continuously grows its number of branches to reach more Filipinos. Here are the branches of RNG Coastal Bank: RNG Coastal Bank Head Office Cor. Cabancalan Road, Talamban, Cebu City 6000 Labangon Branch Punta Princesa, (Labangon) Cebu City Asturias Branch Poblacion, Asturias, Ce...
Post a Comment

Can Catholics Eat Chicken on Friday? A Complete Guide for 2025

If you've ever wondered, "Can Catholics eat chicken on Friday?"—you're not alone. This is one of the most searched questions among practicing Catholics, especially during Lent or when navigating the traditional rules of Friday abstinence.

Let’s break it down and answer this question once and for all — clearly, factually, and with up-to-date Church guidance.

Can Catholics Eat Chicken on Friday?

Can Catholics Eat Chicken on Friday?

Short Answer:

  • No, Catholics cannot eat chicken on Fridays during Lent.

  • Outside of Lent, it depends — many Catholics still choose to abstain from meat on Fridays year-round, but it is not strictly required by the Church in the United States anymore (with some conditions).

Why Not Chicken? Isn’t It Just Red Meat That’s Banned?

It’s a common misconception that only red meat is off-limits. But according to Catholic tradition, "meat" includes the flesh of warm-blooded animals — this means beef, pork, lamb, and yes, chicken, turkey, and other poultry.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) defines meat as “the flesh of animals, including birds.” So chicken is included in the category of meat that should be avoided on Fridays during Lent.

What About Fish?

Interestingly, fish is permitted. The reason is largely historical and symbolic:

  • Fish are cold-blooded animals, and early Church tradition didn't consider their flesh as "meat" in the same way.

  • Fish was seen as a humble food, in contrast to meat, which was more of a feast or celebration.

That’s why you’ll often see “Fish Fridays” at Catholic parishes and fast food chains like McDonald's Filet-O-Fish surge in popularity during Lent.

Are Catholics Required to Abstain from Meat Every Friday?

This is where things get more nuanced.

🔹 During Lent:

  • Yes, all Catholics age 14 and older are required to abstain from meat (including chicken) on every Friday of Lent, as well as on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

🔹 Outside of Lent:

  • The USCCB encourages abstaining from meat every Friday of the year, but it is not required in the U.S. if you substitute another form of penance or good work.

  • This flexibility was introduced after Vatican II and formalized in a 1966 pastoral statement by the US bishops.

So technically, outside of Lent, you can eat chicken on a Friday if you're doing some other act of penance — but many Catholics still choose not to.

What If You Eat Chicken by Accident on a Friday During Lent?

Don’t panic. The Church teaches that intent matters.

  • If you forgot or accidentally ate chicken, it’s not considered a mortal sin.

  • However, if done knowingly and willfully, it could be considered a sin that requires confession, depending on your level of understanding and intent.

When in doubt, speak with your parish priest — they’re there to help guide you.

What Can Catholics Eat on Fridays?

Here are some Catholic-friendly Friday meal ideas:

  • Baked or grilled fish

  • Pasta with tomato sauce

  • Cheese pizza

  • Bean burritos

  • Vegetable soup

  • Egg salad sandwiches

  • Veggie stir-fry

  • Tuna salad

Looking for ideas? Check out Lenten recipes approved by the USCCB.

TL;DR – Quick FAQ

QuestionAnswer
Can Catholics eat chicken on Friday during Lent?❌ No
Can Catholics eat chicken on non-Lenten Fridays?✅ Yes, if replaced with another penance
Is fish allowed?✅ Yes
Is accidental consumption a sin?🚫 Not if unintentional
Are there exceptions?✅ Health, age, or other circumstances may exempt someone

Final Thoughts

So, can Catholics eat chicken on Friday?
➡️ Not during Lent, and discouraged on Fridays year-round unless another penance is observed.

Understanding these practices isn't just about rules — it’s about discipline, sacrifice, and drawing closer to Christ in everyday decisions. Even what we eat can be a form of devotion.

If you're not sure how to observe Friday penance or need guidance, reach out to your local parish priest. They’re your best resource on your journey of faith.

Want to stay informed on Catholic traditions, Holy Days, and Lenten tips?
📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly insights straight to your inbox.

Sources:

  • United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)

  • Code of Canon Law (Can. 1251–1253)

  • Catechism of the Catholic Church

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

BDO NETWORK BANK LOAN TABLE FOR TEACHERS (5 YEARS)

5-Year Term BDO Network Bank Loan Table For DepEd Teachers Another bank is willing to lend our dear teachers in the Department of Education an amount with a reasonable interest rates. The BDO Network Bank offers permanent teachers in DepEd a loan which is paid through Automatic Payroll Deduction System or APDS. How to apply for a Teacher's Loan? Simply visit the nearest BDO Network Bank Branch or Loan Officer and bring the following requirements: Original copy of the latest three (3) months payslips One (1) 1x1 ID picture and two (2) valid government-issued IDs Photocopy of the Letter of Appointment with original copy as presented to BDO Network personnel GSIS Index Practical and Affordable Loan up to P750,000 and enjoy low interest rate through APDS, for maximum loan term of 5 years. No late payment charges, no notarial fee, no pre-termination fee and no co-maker required Includes FREE Credit Life Insurance What is BDO Network Bank? BDO Network Bank (commonly known as BDO NB, fo...
Post a Comment
Read more

Here are the Submission Links and CRLA, RMA Assessment Tools

The Department of Education (DepEd) is kicking off the new school year with a focus on ensuring every child in Grades 1-3 gets the support they need to succeed. This exciting initiative involves the administration of the Rapid Mathematics Assessment (RMA) and the Comprehensive Literacy Assessment (CRLA) . Why are these assessments important? Early Identification: Identifying areas where students might need extra help allows teachers to tailor interventions early on, maximizing their learning potential. Targeted Support: The insights from these assessments will pinpoint specific skill gaps and pave the way for targeted support programs. No learner gets left behind! Championing Equity: Data gathered will provide a nationwide picture of student performance. This allows DepEd to focus resources and support on areas that need it most, promoting educational equity across the Philippines. When and How will the Assessments Take Place? Timeline: Assessments will be conducted nationwide bet...
Post a Comment
Read more

Free Download Editable DTR or Civil Service Form No. 48

For employees in both government and private sectors, keeping track of attendance and work hours is an essential administrative task. The Daily Time Record (DTR) or Civil Service Form No. 48 is a crucial document used to record an employee's daily work hours and absences. In an effort to streamline this process and assist hardworking professionals, we are pleased to offer a hassle-free solution. In this blog post, we provide a downloadable and editable DTR form that will simplify your record-keeping tasks, ultimately saving you valuable time and effort. Download this offline editable DTR. Download it first to edit.  ( To download this editable DTR, simply click the link above and when it opens in another window to show the DTR online format, click file at the upper left corner and click download on the drop down menu, then choose Microsoft Excel format ) Why is the DTR Form Important? The DTR form serves as an official record of an employee's attendance, leave credits, tardine...
Post a Comment
Read more

Understanding Grade Transmutation in DepEd

Understanding Grade Transmutation in DepEd In the Philippine education system, grade transmutation is the process of converting raw scores into equivalent grades. This ensures consistency and fairness when assessing student performance. DepEd follows specific guidelines for transmuting grades, allowing educators to evaluate students objectively. How Does Grade Transmutation Work? Initial Grades : Students receive raw scores (usually out of 100) for their assessments, exams, and projects. These initial grades serve as the basis for transmutation. Transmuted Grades : To convert initial grades into transmuted grades, DepEd uses a predefined scale. Let’s take a closer look at the scale: Table Initial Grade Range Transmuted Grade 100 100 98.40 – 99.99 99 96.80 – 98.39 98 … … 68.00 – 69.59 80 Below 68.00 60 Interpreting the Scale : For example, if a student scores between 98.40 and 99.99, their transmuted grade will be 99. Similarly, an initial grade of 85.60 – 87.19 corresponds to a transm...
Post a Comment
Read more

City Savings Bank Salary Loan Table

City Savings Salary Loan Table for DepEd Teachers City Savings Bank is one of the institutions that offers salary loan to DepEd teaching and non-teaching staff with  low interest rate and flexible term. What is good about City Savings Bank is you can call a loan ranger to facilitate your loan application. If you have internet connection, you can also avail of their online loan application. During this time of pandemic, you don't need to go to their branch to apply for a salary loan because the company is seeing to it that it's costumer's safety is addressed. Below are the frequently asked questions taken from their official website. 1. What are the requirements?          For New Loan Two (2) months latest payslips (current and previous month, original and photocopy) Duly accomplished Loan Application Form Three (3) Photocopies of DepEd and PRC IDs Two (2) Photocopies of Cedula Certified true copy of the Permanent Appointment (back to back) One Co-maker (mus...
2 comments
Read more