Pregnant women and people who are sick are not obligated to fast. Abstinence is refraining from eating meat. People who have completed their fourteenth year are bound by the Canon Law to abstain. Anyone who feels that they cannot fulfill the law of abstinence or the law of fasting should consult a parish priest or confessor. Return to the top Commons For many celebrations throughout the year, readings are assigned from various Commons .
Commons are groups of readings appropriate for a type of celebration.
These readings include First Readings, Responsorial Psalms, and Gospel Readings. One reading may be selected from each group for use during the Mass. Often, more than one type of Common is appropriate for a celebration. In these cases, readings may come from any of the commons. Easter is a special season for Commons. During Easter, a separate set of readings is assigned for the First Readings.