Traditionally, on the Ember Wednesday and Saturday meat is eaten only once with the main meal. The calendar has a half fish on those days, indicating this. No meat on Friday. No eating between meals. Juices, milk and other liquids may be consumed. On the Ember Days two small collations which together are a little less than one full meal and one full meal. Fasting for those between 21 and 59. Abstinence for those over 7 years of age. For the ill, no fasting.
Ember week fasting and abstinence is to pray for those priests being ordained on the Ember Saturday. Prayers might also be offered for all priests, for seminarians as well.