Obligations

FASTING, ABSTINENCE AND OTHER ACTS OF PENANCE FOR LENT

The Bishops of the United States prescribe, as minimal obligation, that all persons who are fourteen years of age and older are bound to abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent. Further, all persons eighteen years of age and older, up to and including their fifty-ninth birthday are bound to fast by limiting themselves to a single full meal on Ash Wednesday and on Good Friday, while the other two meals on those days are to be light.

All the faithful are encouraged to participate in Mass and to receive the Most Holy Eucharist daily, to celebrate frequently the Sacrament of Penance, to undertake spiritual reading, especially the study of the Sacred Scriptures, and to participate in parish Lenten devotions as well as Lenten education programs.

All are encouraged to participate in Operation Rice Bowl, which has aided countless hungry persons here in the archdiocese as well as throughout our nation and our world.