In a March 10 decree, Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv., lifted the day of abstinence for Friday, March 19 as it is the Solemnity of St. Joseph.
The decree follows:
“The Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence. Abstinence obligates one to abstain from all meats and meat products. It applies to all Catholics who have reached the age of 14.
This year, the Solemnity of St. Joseph falls on Friday, March 19. The Holy Father, Pope Francis has declared this to be the Year of St. Joseph and so a dispensation is hereby granted to all Catholics in the Archdiocese of Atlanta from the Discipline of Abstinence on March 19, 2021.
The Archdiocese will celebrate this special year in several ways. For more details on the celebrations, including our Mass and consecration to the intersession of St. Joseph, visit the archdiocesan website.”