Lent is a time of grace and renewal for the entire Church, especially for the catechumens and candidates preparing for initiation during the Easter Triduum. The three traditional ascetical practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving are important pillars for a fruitful experience of lent. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fasting (for those 14 through 59) and abstinence (for those 14 and over). The Fridays of Lent remain days of abstinence.