2010 Lenten Regulations
1. Ash Wednesday, February 17, and Good Friday, April 2, are days of abstinence from meat and days of fast.
2. All Catholics 14 years of age and older are bound by the law of abstinence (canon 1252).
3. All Catholics are bound by law of fast who are 18 years of age and are bound until the beginning of their 60th year, namely until they reached their 59th birthday (canon 1250).
4. The law of fast means that only one full meal may be taken during the day; two additional light meals, together not to equal in quantity the full meal, are permitted. No solid food may be taken between meals, but liquids may be taken at any time.
A single violation of these Lenten obligations is not a serious sin. General or substantial neglect of the obligation to do penance would be a serious matter.
The following are recommendations for voluntary self-denial or personal penance:
· Daily participation in the Mass
· Prayers for vocations to the priesthood and the religious life
· Personal service to the aged or the sick
· Fasting at least once a week as a way of identifying with the poor and starving of the world
· Prayer for peace