In two days we will be beginning the forty days of Lent. The minimal Lenten Observance is as follows:

1. Abstinence:
   All Catholics who have reached their 14th birthday are bound to abstain totally from meat on the following days: Ash Wednesday, all Fridays of Lent and Good Friday.
2. Fasting:
   All Catholics between their 18th and 59th birthdays are also bound to observe the Law of Fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. This practice involves limiting oneself to a single full meal and avoiding food between meals. Light sustenance may be taken on two other occasions in the course of the day.
3. An Invitation:
   In the name of peace, and in union with the Bishops of our country, the faithful of this Diocese are invited to add voluntary fasting to the practice of penance during the Fridays of the year. Together with works of charity and service toward our neighbors, this practice would become a sign of our commitment to conversion, reconciliation and
   peace. (The Challenge of Peace, Art. 298).