Guidelines for dispensation on Feast of St. Patrick – Friday, March 17th

Lent is a time of increased prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. In light of requests to offer dispensation this year from the requirement to abstain from meat on Friday, March 17, the feast day of Saint Patrick, Bishop Burns grants the dispensation if the person transfers the responsibility of abstinence from meat to the day before or after the feast day of Saint Patrick. That is, Catholics are being asked to either fast abstain from meat on Thursday, March 16 or Saturday, March 18 in lieu of the feast day of Saint Patrick.

Another alternative would be to assume the addition of a spiritual exercise. The Bishop has indicated another option would be for a person to offer a decade of the Rosary for the plight of immigrants/refugees or for the intention of an increase in Vocations to the priesthood. In other words, to recite one Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, and one Glory Be to the Father, for these specified intentions.