Of course, most Episcopal Conferences have determined that, instead of abstaining from meat, Catholics may perform an act of penance of their choosing. But, do you ever remember to abstain from a particular food or do some other penance on Fridays? And, at any rate, the main rule is still to abstain from meat on Fridays, the performance of another penance instead is an optional alternative.
Thank you JHavard for the reminder and for digging this up for us. I have seen varying statements about what exactly is required and it is my understanding that in the US at least, nothing is mandatory for regular Fridays. With our wimpy bishops this is not surprising. It is in the mind of the overall Church, however, to signify Friday as a special day by acts of denial, piety, almsgiving, etc. What better situation could we be in! We are not obligated to do seomthing but are free to do what we wish.
And IMRight tries to minimize the changes, but it was taught before that meat eating was a sin because it was disobedience to the Church. This is a good teaching and still stands. The required action now is not abstinance from meat, it is to be a personal thing. To willfully disobey the Church is still sinful.
SD
I believe I said as much in my replies on the issue.