Lenten Regulations

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 14
 
· Lent is the principal season of penance in the Church year. All of the faithful are strongly urged to develop and follow a program of voluntary self-denial (in addition to following the Lenten regulations), serious prayer, and a performance of works of charity and mercy.
 
· Everyone 14 years of age or over is bound to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and all the Fridays of Lent.
 
· All from the age of 18 years up to the beginning of their 60^th year are bound to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.                                                      
 
· On these two days of fast and abstinence, only one full meatless meal is allowed. Two other meatless meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to each one’s needs, but together they should not equal another full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted on these two days, but liquids, including milk and fruit juices are allowed. When health or ability to work would be seriously affected, the law does not oblige.
 
· Those who are sick, pregnant, or nursing, or whose health would adversely be affected by fasting or abstinence, should not consider themselves bound by these norms.