Lent begins on Wednesday, March 5 and ends on Thursday, April 17.
Lent is the solemn Christian religious observance in the liturgical year commemorating the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert and enduring temptation by Satan, according to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, before beginning his public ministry.
The rules of Lent include fasting, abstinence, prayer, and almsgiving.
Fasting
Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59 are required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday
Fasting means eating one full meal and two smaller meals that don't add up to a full meal
Snacking between meals is not permitted
Abstinence
Catholics between the ages of 14 and older are required to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays during Lent
Abstinence does not include meat juices, soups made with meat, or condiments made from animal fat . Fish, amphibians, reptiles, and shellfish are permitted
Prayer
Prayer is a traditional practice of Lent that allows people to draw closer to God
Almsgiving
Almsgiving is a traditional practice of Lent that expresses justice toward neighbors
Lent is a time of penance and spiritual preparation for Easter.
