Office of the Bishop

St. Patrick Absolution Decree

The optional March 17 memorial to Saint Patrick falls on a Friday this year, a day of abstinence from meat during the season of Lent. Part of the celebration of this great saint is often a meal which includes meat, specifically a traditional Irish fare which includes corned beef. Inquiry has been made of whether in honor of the saint a dispensation might be granted from the obligatory day of abstinence. 

I hereby decree that those who participate in an event remembering Saint Patrick where meat is served are dispensed from the obligation to abstain from meat with the proviso that another form of penance be undertaken on that day.

For those who do not participate in such a memorial to Saint Patrick the day of abstinence remains as a sign of the penitential call of Lent.

Saint Patrick, pray for us that we might carry out a Lenten journey which leads to greater conversion and a deeper relationship with our lord and savior Jesus Christ!

Given at the Chancery on the 24th day of February the Friday after Ash Wednesday in the Year of Our Lord two thousand and twenty-three.

In the love of God,

The Most Reverend Donald E. DeGrood
Bishop of Sioux Falls