Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of abstinence from meat as well as days of fasting, when only one full meal is allowed. On days of fast, two other meatless meals may be taken according to one’s needs, but together they should not equal another full meal. The other Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence from meat. The obligation to abstain from meat begins at age 14 and does not cease. The obligation to fast begins at age 18 and ceases at age 56. Although the faithful may excuse themselves from fast and abstinence, for a just cause, there is no obligation to substitute another penance in its place. No Catholic should lightly excuse him/herself from these Lenten obligations.