While not obligatory, the Ember Days are a holy practice, of great benefit to the Church and to us, and they constitute a solid preparation for the coming of Our Lord. We are encouraged to participate in whatever way we are able.

In diébus illis: Clamábunt ad Dóminum a fácie tribulántis, et mittet eis salvatórem, et propugnatórem, qui líberet eos.

In those days they shall cry to the Lord because of the oppressor, and He shall send them a Savior and a defender to deliver them.

– Isaiah 19:20, from the first Lesson of Ember Saturday in Advent