| Q & A 03/17/2001 Question: Does St. Patrick's Day count in the Lenten fast for Roman Catholics?
Answer: Since St. Patrick's Day falls on a Saturday this year, the rules of fasting don't apply, according to the Catholic Diocese of Dallas. The church requires fasting on Ash Wednesday and the Fridays of Lent.
Fasting is defined as eating only one full meal a day and not eating between meals. Abstinence is refraining from eating meat.
Last year, St. Patrick's Day fell on a Friday, which was problematic for Irish Catholics who like to celebrate with corned beef and cabbage. Some bishops made an exception and allowed them to eat meat. But others refused to grant exceptions, including Bishop Charles V. Grahmann of the Dallas Diocese.
"We have a German bishop," joked spokesman Bronson Havard.
Susan Hogan/Albach
Have a question about another faith or your own? Wondering about an ethical dilemma? Send us your question and we'll seek out experts for answers.
|
