NJ archbishop says enjoy corned beef on St. Patrick’s Day

NEWARK — As he prepares for his first St. Patrick's Day leading the Archdiocese of Newark, Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin had some good news for his parishioners.

With the holiday falling on a Friday during the Lenten season, they can enjoy their corned beef without any reservations.

Tobin announced at the end of February that he has decided to order a formal dispensation for people to eat meat on Friday.

Despite the dispensation, the cardinal said there are other things the church members can do to observe the holiday while still enjoying the special fare.

"I remind Catholics who avail themselves of this dispensation that the Church highly encourages you to substitute some other act of penance, such as special prayer, acts of piety, or works of charity on March 17.