The Church teaches that Catholics in good health are to observe the following practices during Lent unless for some serious reason they are unable to do so.

Fast—Catholics from age 18-59 are to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. On a fast day, one limits oneself to one full meal and two smaller meals, with no snacking between meals.

Abstinence—Catholics of age 14 and older abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and all the Fridays of Lent.

Please note that if you are not within the above age ranges, you are not required to follow the guidelines for fast and abstinence. If you are pregnant, diabetic, or have other dietary restrictions, you should follow your health professional’s guidelines.