Lenten Regulations
Weekdays of Lent: There is no obligation to fast. However, voluntary acts of self-denial are recommended.
Ash Wednesday and Good Friday: These are days of fast and abstinence from meat. There is a limit of one full meal, and nothing between meals, on these days for all between the ages of 18 and 59 inclusive. 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 and abstinence are prescribed for Good Friday and encouraged for Holy Saturday.
Days of Abstinence: (Ash Wednesday and All Fridays in Lent) All who have reached their 14th year are bound to abstain totally from meat.
Easter Duty Obligation: The Catholic Church requires that all Catholics who have made their First Communion receive the Holy Eucharist sometime during the Easter season. (They should also take part in the Sacrament of Penance before receiving this Easter Communion.) This reception of the Eucharist is a visible sign of our faith and our participation in the Kingdom of God. Of course, we should receive Communion as frequently as possible; this "Easter Duty" is simply the minimum requirement set by the Church.
Easter Season: The Easter Season is from the first Sunday in Lent through Trinity Sunday (the Sunday after Pentecost).
By the threefold discipline of fasting, almsgiving and prayer the Church keeps Lent from Ash Wednesday until the evening of Holy Thursday. All of the faithful and the catechumens should undertake serious practice of these three traditions. Failure to observe any penitential days at all or a substantial number of such days must be considered serious.
