Lent runs from Ash Wednesday until the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday. The blessing and imposition of ashes takes place on Ash Wednesday only. Ash Wednesday is not a holy day of obligation; however, in the spirit of Lent, the faithful are encouraged to receive ashes as a reminder and sign of our humanity. Ash Wednesday is a day of fasting and abstinence. Fasting is to be observed on Ash Wednesday by all Catholics 18 years of age but not yet 60. Those bound to fast may take only one full meal. Two smaller meals are permitted if necessary to maintain strength according to each one’s needs; however, eating solid food between meals is not permitted. Abstinence from meat is to be observed by all Catholics age 14 and older on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent. Good Friday is a day of fast and abstinence.