Lent this year begins on February 22, Ash Wednesday. Easter is April 9. The practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving are traditional in the Catholic observance of Lent.
Abstinence: In the United States, Catholics who are 14 and older are to abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays during the season of Lent.
Fasting: Those who are between the ages of 18 and 59 are to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. The law of fast prescribes that only one full meal a day may be taken. Two lighter meals are permitted. Eating between meals is not permitted, but liquids, including milk and fruit juices, are permitted. In keeping with the penitential nature of the season, voluntary fasting on the other weekdays of Lent is encouraged.
Questions may be directed to Joan Lawson, diocesan chancellor, 330-744-8451, or jlawson@youngstowndiocese.org.
