"By immersing ourselves into the Death and Resurrection of Christ through the Sacrament of Baptism, we are moved to free our hearts every day from the burden of material things, from a self-centered relationship with the 'world' that impoverishes us and prevents us from being available and open to God and our neighbor.  In Christ, God revealed Himself as Love (cf. 1Jn 4: 7-10).  The Cross of Christ, the 'Word of the Cross', manifests God’s saving power (cf. 1Cor 1: 18), that is given to raise men and women anew and bring them salvation:  it is love in its most extreme form (cf. Encyclical Deus caritas est, n. 12)."  From the Message of Pope Benedict XVI for Lent

The season of Lent precedes and prepares for the Holy Triduum of Easter and the season of Easter.  It is a time to hear the Word of God, to convert, to prepare for and remember Baptism, to be reconciled with God and one's neighbor, and of more frequent recourse to the "arms of Christian penance":  prayer, fasting and good works (cf. Matthew 6, 1-6. 16-18).  From the Vatican.

During this forty-day period each year, the Church unites itself to the mystery of Jesus in the desert (Matthew 4, 1-11). To prepare to celebrate the Easter mysteries, we devote time during this special season to pray, to perform works of charity, and to deny ourselves by fulfilling obligations more faithfully.  From the USCCB.


Fasting and Abstinence in the Lenten Season:
- Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence.
- Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence.
- Fasting binds all persons who have completed their 18th birthday through those who have completed their 59th year, unless prevented by poor health. On days of fast, one full meal is allowed. Two other meals sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to one's own needs. Eating between meals is not allowed although fluids may be taken.
- Abstinence binds all persons who have completed their 14th birthday, unless prevented by poor health. On days of abstinence during Lent, the consumption of meat of mammals or fowl is not allowed. The Church strongly encourages the observance of Friday abstinence throughout the year, but failure to do so is not regarded as sinful.  From the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.