This year, the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday falls on the Feast of St.Matthias. This is a second class Feast and as such must be celebrated under liturgical law. The Votive Mass of the Holy Face will be offered on Monday the 24th of February instead. On Shrove Tuesday there will be Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament from 7pm – 9pm in honour of the 3 Hours of Our Lord on the Cross, to make reparation for sin.
Every person 14 years or older must abstain from meat (and items made with meat) on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Every person between the age of 18 and 59 (beginning of 60th year) must fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.