ABSTINENCE is to be observed byCatholics over 14 years of age and older. On days of abstinence (Ash Wednesday and the Fridays of Lent), no meat is allowed. 
Ash Wednesday (2/22) & Good Friday(4/7)  are days of Fasting and Abstinence. The Fridays of Lent are also days of abstinence.
FASTING is to be observed by Catholics over 18 and up to the beginning of their 60th year. On a fast day, one full meal is allowed. Two other meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to each one’s needs. Together these two small "meals" should not equal another full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted, but liquids, including milk and juices, are allowed.

The Lenten Environment
Fasting, Almsgiving, and Prayer are the three traditional disciplines of Lent. The faithful and Catechumens undertake these practices in a spirit of penance and preparation for Baptism or of renewal of baptism at Easter.

The bare trees in the sanctuary represent the dormancy of winter and Lent. We look forward to the Resurrection of Christ and His conquering of death. We will soon see the blooming of the Easter flowers. Between the Good Friday Service and the Easter Vigil or Easter Morning Masses, the "Paschal Fast”should take place. The space that is created by the Paschal Fast makes room for the watching and praying that lead the church through Good Friday and Holy Saturday and into the night of the Easter Vigil.