ABSTINENCE

1. Everyone over seven years of age is bound to observe the
   law of abstinence.
2. Complete abstinence is to be observed on Fridays, Ash
   Wednesday, Holy Saturday, and Vigils of the Immaculate
   Conception & Christmas. On days of complete abstinence,
   meat and soup or gravy made from meat may not be used
   at all.
3. Partial abstinence is to be observed on Ember Wednesdays
   and Saturdays and on the Vigil of Pentecost. On days of
   partial abstinence, meat and soup or gravy made from
   meat may be taken only once a day at the principal meal.
   FAST
4. Everyone over 21 and under 59 years of age is also bound
   to observe the law of fast.
5. The days of fast are the weekdays of Lent, including Holy
   Saturday, the Ember Days and the Vigils of Pentecost, the
   Immaculate Conception and Christmas.
6. On days of fast, only one full meal is allowed. Two other
   meatless meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be
   taken according to one’s needs; but together they should
   not equal another full meal.
7. Meat may be taken at the principal meal on a day of fast
   except on Fridays, Ash Wednesday, Holy Saturday, and
   the Vigils of the Immaculate Conception and Christmas.
8. Eating between meals is not permitted, but liquids,
   including milk and fruit juices, are allowed.
9. Where health or ability to work would be seriously
   affected, the law does not oblige. In doubt concerning fast
   or abstinence, a parish priest or confessor should be
   consulted.
   • There is no obligation for fast or abstinence on a holy day
   of obligation, even if it falls on a Friday.