The Lenten Season begins with Ash Wednesday (February 14, 2018) and ends before the celebration of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday Evening (March 25, 2018).

* Abstinence from meat is to be observed by all Catholics fourteen years old and older on Ash Wednesday and on all Fridays of Lent. This obligation prohibits the eating of meat, but not eggs and milk products.

* Fasting means limiting oneself to one full meal on a given fast day. Catholics who are 18 years of age until 60 are obliged to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. On fasting days, two additional smaller meals are permitted if necessary to maintain strength. Moreover, the two smaller meals together may not equal one full meal. Moreover, eating solid foods between meals on fast days is not permitted.