Weekdays Of Lent: There is no obligation to fast. However, voluntary acts of self-denial are recommended.

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday: Are days of Fast and Abstinence from meat. Limit one full meal on these days for all between the ages of 18 and 59 inclusive.

Days Of Abstinence (All Fridays In Lent): All who have reached their 14th year are bound to abstain totally from meat.

Easter Duty Obligation: The Sacrament of Reconciliation and Holy Communion must be received during the Easter Season, as specified by diocesan regulations.

Fasting is to be observed on Ash Wednesday by all Catholics who are 18 years of age but not yet 59. Those who are bound by this may take only one full meal. Two smaller meals are permitted if necessary to maintain strength according to one’s needs, but eating solid foods between meals is not permitted.

The special Paschal fast and abstinence are prescribed for Good Friday and encouraged for Holy Saturday.

"The season of Lent is a preparation for the celebration of Easter. The liturgy prepares the catechumens for the celebration of the paschal mystery by the several stages of Christian initiation: it also prepares the faithful, who recall their baptism and do penance in preparation for Easter." (General Norms for the Liturgical Year, #27)

By the threefold discipline of fasting, almsgiving and prayer the church keeps Lent from Ash Wednesday until the evening of Holy Thursday. All of the faithful and the catechumens should undertake serious practice of these three traditions. Failure to observe penitential days totally or a substantial number of such days must be considered serious.

"(On) weekdays of Lent, we strongly recommend participation in daily Mass and self-imposed observances of fasting. In light of grave human needs which weigh on the Christian conscience in all seasons, we urge particularly during Lent, generosity to local, national and world programs of sharing of all things needed to translate our duty to penance into a means of implementing the right of the poor to their part of our abundance," (U.S. Bishops statement on penitential observances, 1966.)