There are four Ember day periods when we pray, fast and abstain for the good of the our souls and the reform and renewal of the whole Catholic Church. These 2014 winter Ember days fall on Wednesday Dec. 17, Friday Dec 19 and Saturday Dec. 20.
Wednesday and Saturday have fasting with 1 complete meal and two 1/2 meals. Partial abstinence with meat only allowed at the the main meal
Friday is fast of 1 complete meal and two 1/2 meals, and total abstinence from all meat.
Also Dec. 24, Christmas eve is a day of fast and complete abstinence.
The original author of this blog passed away in July of 2016. RIP Father Carota.