A message from Bishop O'Connell regarding abstinence from meat on St. Patrick's Day

There are very few days in the Church year for penitential abstinence from meat as a sacrifice.  It is serious enough an obligation as to be listed as one of the “Precepts of the Church.”

I am happy this year to give a dispensation from the Lenten abstinence requirement for those attending a St. Patrick’s Day celebration in a parish or other Catholic organization, but ask our Catholics attending that dinner/event to transfer the Lenten abstinence sacrifice to Thursday, March 16.

Respectfully yours in the Lord,
Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C.M., J.C.D.
Bishop of Trenton