Lent and Easter Guidelines

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Regulations for Fast and Abstinence during Lent

Ash Wednesday, February 17, 2010 and Good Friday, April 2, 2010, are days of fast and abstinence. Fridays of Lent are also days of abstinence.

Fasting is to be observed by all 18 years of age and older, who have not yet celebrated their 59th birthday. On a fast day one full meal is allowed. Two other 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, but liquids, including milk and juices, are allowed.

Abstinence is observed by all 14 years of age and older. On days of abstinence no meat is allowed.

Note that when health or ability to work would be seriously affected, the law does not oblige. When in doubt concerning fast and abstinence, the parish priest should be consulted.

Ash Wednesday, February 17, 2010 and Good Friday, April 2, 2010, are days of fast and abstinence. All the Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence.

Fasting, almsgiving, and prayer are the three traditional disciplines of Lent. The faithful and catechumens should undertake these practices seriously in a spirit of penance and of preparation for baptism or of renewal of baptism at Easter.

**Please note: Canon 1251 dispenses from the requirement of abstinence on the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Husband of Mary, which we celebrate Friday, March 19th. Therefore, the consumption of meat, in accord with the law, is permitted on this date.