LENTEN REGULATIONS
(from February 14, Ash Wednesday, to the Paschal Triduum)
ABSTINENCE from meat is to be observed by all Catholics 14 years old and older on Ash Wednesday and on all the Fridays of Lent.
FASTING is to be observed on Ash Wednesday by all Catholics who are 18 years of age but not yet 59. Those who are bound by this may take only one full meal. Two smaller meals are permitted if necessary to maintain strength according to one‘s needs, but eating solid foods between meals is not permitted. The special Paschal fast, as well as abstinence, are prescribed for Good Friday and encouraged for Holy Saturday.
Those that are excused from fast and abstinence outside the age limits include the physically or mentally ill including individuals suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes. Also excluded are pregnant or nursing women. In all cases, common sense should prevail, and individuals who are ill should not jeopardize their health further by fasting.