The fundamental obligation is to make Lent a penitential season, choosing practices that are adapted to one’s own circumstances. The following highlight practices for Ash Wednesday, Fridays in Lent, and Good Friday. The Church no longer attempts to prescribe Lenten practices in detail.
▪Fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday
Those between the ages of 18 and 59 are to fast. Fasting means having only one full meal and two small meals, if necessary, for strength.
▪Precept
All Catholics are bound to confess their sins once a year.
▪Abstaining from Meat on Ash Wednesday and all the Fridays of Lent (including Good Friday)
Those from the age of 14 and up are to abstain from eating meat. Exclusions include pregnant or nursing women, the physically or mentally ill, and individuals suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes. In all cases, common sense should prevail, and ill persons should not further jeopardize their health by fasting.
▪Easter Duty
All Catholics are bound by the obligation to receive Communion at least once a year. This precept is to be fulfilled during the Easter Season up to Trinity Sunday or anytime during the weeks of Lent.