Bishop lifts Good Friday fast and abstinence for health care workers

    Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bishop McManus has issued a decree dispensing health care workers in the Diocese of Worcester from the mandatory fast and abstinence of Good Friday. The decree was issued today and reads as follows:

WHEREAS
Friday, April 10, 2020, is Good Friday, which is a day of mandatory Fast and Abstinence, on which Catholics are obliged to abstain from all meats and meat products and to limit themselves to one full meal and two smaller meals not equal to a full meal, and

WHEREAS
We are in the midst of a major health crisis requiring the constant and generous attention of all professionals whose service is necessary for the treatment of those infected and in danger of contracting COVID-19,

THEREFORE, BE IT DECREED THAT
In consideration of health care workers in the Diocese of Worcester who are on the front line of this pandemic and whose adherence to the discipline of Fast and Abstinence might present a special challenge in light of their consuming schedules, a dispensation from these obligations is hereby granted to all Catholics in health care professions on Good Friday, April 10, 2020.

Given at the Diocese of Worcester Chancery April 7, 2020

Most Reverend Robert J. McManus
Bishop of Worcester