Lenten Regulations         

• Days of Fast and Abstinence
  Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence. The law of fasting allows one full meal and two smaller ones. The law of abstinence prohibits the eating of meat.  No meat is consumed.  
  
  The obligation of abstinence begins at age 14. The law of fasting obliges all between the ages of 18-59.

• Days of Abstinence
  The Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence in the United States.

• Week Days of Lent
  There is no obligation to fast.  However, voluntary acts of self-denial are recommended.

• Acts of Penance
  All members of the Christian faithful are encouraged to do acts of penance and charity beyond what is prescribed by the law.
  
  Pastors and parents are to see to it that minors, though not bound by the law of fast and abstinence, are educated in the authentic sense of penance and encouraged to do acts of penance suitable to their age.

• Easter Duty Obligation
  The obligation of all the faithful who have attained the use of reason to receive Holy Communion at least once during the season of Easter is called the Easter Duty.  It is also recommended that the faithful fulfill their obligation of annual confession at this time out of practical considerations.  This obligation must be made from the first Sunday in Lent through Trinity Sunday.

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