Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday is not a Holy Day of Obligation. It is, however, a day of fasting and abstinence. Fasting is obligatory for all who have completed their 18th year until the beginning of their 60th year. Fasting allows a person to eat one full meal. Two smaller meals may be taken, not to equal one full meal. Abstinence (from meat) is obligatory for all who have completed their 14th year of age. As always, anyone for whom fasting or abstinence would pose a health risk is excused.