CNS ILLUSTRATION | ELIMY THOMPSON Catholics are required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, which means eating only one full meal during the course of a day.

That empty stomach rumble, a reminder of fasting during Lent, is beneficial spiritually and physically.

It also is a way to draw attention to the work of the Church and to help charitable organizations.

Catholics are required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, which means eating only one full meal during the course of a day.

"The greater portion of fasting is the honouring of the suffering death of our Lord Jesus Christ," said Franciscan Father James Goode, president of the National Black Catholic Apostolate for Life.

"I tell people when they are in the midst of a crisis in their life, try fasting and prayer, and then pray and fast and have that assurance that God will hear our prayer."

The 70-year-old priest says he would fast before being given a new assignment.

"It was the experience of saying, 'Not my will, but God's will, be done.' God was able to help me to understand where he was leading me.

"Prayer and fasting brought me peace. It brought me comfort. It brought me that assurance that Jesus is still mine. And that there is nothing in life that he won't be with me through."

Members of the New York-based apostolate are encouraging others to join in using Tuesdays during Lent as additional days of fasting and prayer "for the end of abortion and all acts of violence that are destroying our community."

Pax Christi USA also is recommending fasting beyond the Friday requirement during Lent.