To Dispense or Not to Dispense

St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Friday in Lent. Many Catholic dioceses have made announcements that Catholics can break their meatless fast. In other words, for one Friday in Lent, Catholics can feast on meat. I have a beef with every bishop that made this decision (pun intended). Seriously, Catholics are beginning to debate the question of whether they’ll break their meatless fast or stay the course.

Personally, I plan to keep going with meatless Friday. St. Patrick is my confirmation saint. He would understand why I choose to abstain from meat. On top of it, I still plan to continue my Lenten sacrifices on his feast day also.

For those who plan to feast, go ahead. Bear in mind, that there is a penance that must take the place of having meat on his feast day in Lent. Here are suggestions.

Holy Hour

Take time to pray with our lord in the Blessed Sacrament for at least one hour.

Give food to the homeless

Buy an extra sandwich for a homeless beggar on the street.

Rosary/Divine Mercy Chaplet

Offer a rosary and divine mercy chaplet for the conversion of souls. Pray also for our clergy that they’ll preach the truth and cast out the demons that have plagued our church.

Do an extra chore

Help an elderly neighbor or relative with some housekeeping. Do one that is normally part of one’s routine without being asked.

Stations of the Cross

Attend a Stations of the Cross Service nearby or pray it on your own. Tip: After each station, pray an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be. 

Attend Daily Mass

Go to Mass on his feast day. Bring someone along.

Cover an hour with prayer outside of an abortion facility

40 Days for Life will be halfway through. Cover an hour and pray with others while offering life-affirming choices to moms in their hour of great need. Encourage the abortion workers to visit And Then There Was None. Direct a woman taking the pill to Abortion Pill Reversal. Be a voice for those without one.

These are just the many suggestions for those who will eat meat to celebrate St. Patrick. However, it is not an excuse to get junk and overeat. Gluttony is still a capital sin.

St. Patrick, pray for us