Fasting is required on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday for ages 18-59.

Abstinence is required every Friday during Lent for those ages 14+.

When fasting, a person is permitted to one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal.

Those that are excused from fast and abstinence outside the age limits include the physically or mentally ill including individuals suffering from a chronic illness such as diabetes.  Also excluded are pregnant or nursing women.  For more information on fasting and abstinence, visit usccb.org.