St. Patrick’s Day is on a Friday in Lent, but Corned Beef and Cabbage is Still Okay

Rule Number 1: Irish or not, many Catholics enjoy a hearty plate of corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick’s Day.

Rule Number 2: Catholics don’t eat meat on Fridays in Lent.

Every now and then, however, Rule Number 2 is in danger of causing a problem with Rule Number 1.

This year, St. Patrick’s Day – March 17 — is a Friday in Lent. What is a good Catholic to do?

To resolve this culinary conundrum, Bishop Alfred Schlert has joined many other bishops around the country in granting a dispensation to the faithful in the Diocese of Allentown this year, provided they abstain from meat on the day before or the day after March 17.

Enjoy!

If you are wondering about our Lenten Obligations, the details are here.