Lenten regulations for fasting and abstinence

Ash Wednesday (Feb. 26) and Good Friday (April 10) are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. In ad­dition, Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence. For members of the Roman Catholic Church, the norms on fasting are obligatory for ages 18-59. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal. The norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding upon members from age 14.