Current Church Laws Concerning Fasting and Abstinence

1. The law of Abstinence binds all Catholics, beginning on the day after their 14th birthday.
   (formerly it was beginning the day after their 7th birthday)
2. The law of Fasting binds all adults in the United States, beginning on their 18th birthday until the midnight which
   completes their 59th birthday.

The law of Abstinence forbids the use of meat, but not of eggs, the products of milk, or condiments made of animal fat.
Fish and all cold-blooded animals may be eaten, e.g.- frogs, clams, etc.

The 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. Eating between meals is not permitted, but liquids, including milk and fruit juices, are allowed.

In the United States:
Abstinence is strictly binding on all Fridays of Lent.
Fasting and abstinence are obligatory on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
Abstinence on all Fridays, though not obligatory under pain of sin, is “especially recommended.”
Fasting on all weekdays of Lent, though not obligatory under pain of sin, is “strongly recommended.”

N.B.- Wednesday, February 14th is Ash Wednesday; under pain of mortal sin, all Catholics age 14 and up
must abstain from meat on this day; and all Catholics ages 18-59 must fast on this day.