ATLANTA-Lent begins on Feb. 13, 2002 with Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, which is March 29, are days of abstinence from meat and days of fast. In addition, the Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence from meat (canons 1250-1253). All Catholics 14 years of age and older are bound by the law of abstinence (canon 1252). All Catholics are bound by the law of fast who are 18 years of age, and are bound until the beginning of their 60th year, namely until they have reached their 59th birthday (canon 1250). Fasting means Catholics may eat one full meal each day with meat included (except for Ash Wednesday and Good Friday which are days of fast and abstinence) plus two smaller meals, both of which together do not equal the one full meal. Drinking beverages such as coffee, tea, milk, juice and soft drinks is allowed and does not break the fast. The Fridays of the year outside Lent remain days of penance but each individual may substitute for the traditional abstinence from meat some practice of voluntary self-denial or personal penance. This may be some physical mortification, temperance, and acts of religion, charity or Christian witness (canon 1250). A single violation of these Lenten obligations is not a serious sin. General or substantial neglect of the obligation to do penance would be a serious matter.

The following are recommendations for voluntary self-denial or personal penance:

-Daily participation in the Mass

-Prayers for vocations to the priesthood and the Religious life

-Personal service to the aged or the sick

-Fasting at least once a week as a way of identifying with the poor and starving of the world

-Prayers for peace.