Seasonal & Holidays
Diocese Rules On Whether Catholics Can Eat Meat At Pirates Opener
The Pirates home opener falls on Good Friday, presenting a dilemma for Catholic Pirates fans who might want a hot dog during the game.
PITTSBURGH, PA — Catholic Pirates fans attending the team's home opener on Good Friday will have to be content with pizza or the perhaps the new fried curds item. The Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh said they will not be able to eat meat.
Devout Catholics abstain from eating meat on Fridays during Lent, a sacrifice that recognizes Jesus’ death on the cross on a Friday. The diocese offered a dispensation on St. Partick's Day - Friday, March 17, but no dispensation is being offered for the Pirates-White Sox game.
"For Catholics, Good Friday is unlike any other Friday of the year," a diocesan release stated. "It is the day that Jesus hung on the cross, paving the way for our salvation. Fasting and abstinence is part of what we practice communally that day, out of respect, reverence, and deep gratitude for God’s sacrifice and love.
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"We wish the Pirates well, and we will be rooting for them with all of Pittsburgh. But we also need to hold to the priority importance of Good Friday. It is an essential part of the most sacred time of year for all Christians. Nothing should take precedence."
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