Lent is a penitential season and so religious practices such as daily Mass, reception of the Sacrament of Penance, the devotion of the Stations of the Cross, works of charity and justice, and acts of self-denial are highly encouraged.
All the Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence.
Good Friday is a day of fast and abstinence.
Abstinence means that the consumption of meat is not allowed.
Abstinence binds all persons who have completed their 14th birthday, unless prevented by poor health. The Church strongly encourages the observance of abstinence on all Fridays of the year.
On days of
fasting, one full meal is allowed. Two other meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to one’s own needs. Eating between meals is not allowed although fluids may be taken.
Fasting binds all persons who have completed their 18th Birthday through those who have completed their 59th year, unless prevented by poor health.