Lenten Regulations
Abstinence from meat is observed on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and all of the Fridays of Lent by all Catholics, fourteen years and older.
Fasting is observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday by all Catholics who are eighteen years of age, but not yet fifty-nine. Those bound by this rule may take only one full meal. Two smaller meals are permitted, as necessary, to maintain strength according to one’s needs, but eating solid foods between meals is not permitted.
Prayer and Almsgiving– The Church urges the baptized to observe the three-fold discipline of Lenten fasting, almsgiving and prayer, as a spiritual preparation for the celebration of Easter. It is also suggested that families attend Stations of the Cross as a means of reflection on the Pascal Mystery of Our Lord. Participating in the suggested Lenten charities is very important in the discipline of almsgiving.