Fasting and giving things up for Lent

[fabricdragon]

congratulations!

fasting is NOT required for those who are pregnant.
you MAY do so, as long as it does not harm you or the baby... but you absolutely are not required to.

i love beans. so yes it seems a bit odd that i "give up meat" and eat beans on Friday, but i have found that its partly a ......how to say this..
yes
"sanctifying time"
by forcing me to keep track of "oh, its friday. no meat" i am setting this day aside and having to think about it. if nothing else that has value.

[helpmero]

Instead of giving something up, you may also "take something on". I plan on doing a personal consecration to the Blessed Mother during Lent. Others I know go to start to Perpetual Help Devotions or Eucharistic Adoration, for example. However, neither giving up, nor taking on is reqired of Catholics.