================================ For your information: ================================ Lenten Regulations for Fast & Abstinence: (these apply to most or all dioceses in the U.S. If possible, you should check your local diocesan regulations) * Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence. * Catholics 14 years of age and older are bound to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and the Fridays of Lent. * Catholics age 18 to 59 are bound to the law of fasting (³The law of fasting allows only one full meal a day, but does not prohibit taking some food in the morning and evening, observing - as far as quantity and quality are concerned - approved local custom.² - Apostolic Constitution Poenitemini, 1966) In addition to the Lenten regulations of your diocese, we can also note: * The entire season of Lent should be observed in a spirit of prayer and penance. Spending extra time in prayer, in Bible study, attending daily Mass, voluntary sacrifice and self-denial, combined with works of charity and service to others, are all excellent ways to obey the Lord's command to do penance and to prepare for the joyful celebration of Easter. * All Catholics who have reached the age of reason must confess their serious sins in the Sacrament of Penance at least once a year. They must also receive Holy Communion at least once each year during the Easter season, which this year extends from March 4, the first Sunday of Lent, until Trinity Sunday, June 10th. Although other seasons are more suitable, the celebration of marriage and the Nuptial Mass are not forbidden during Lent, according to the New Code of Canon Law. When liturgical rules permit, the Ritual Mass for the Celebration of Marriage may be used and the nuptial blessing may be given. However, you should advise the spouses and their guests to exercise proper restraint according to the penitential character of Lent.
