No meat for Cleveland Catholics on opening day

(RNS) Opening day for the Cleveland Indians brings a curve ball for Catholics this year. The April 10th home opener falls on Good Friday, when faithful Catholics abstain from meat. That means no ball park hot dogs. And don’t expect dispensation from the bishop. “It is considered the most solemn day on the church calendar,” […]

(RNS) Opening day for the Cleveland Indians brings a curve ball for Catholics this year.

The April 10th home opener falls on Good Friday, when faithful Catholics abstain from meat.

That means no ball park hot dogs. And don’t expect dispensation from the bishop.


“It is considered the most solemn day on the church calendar,” said Cleveland Catholic Diocese spokesman Bob Tayek, who also works as the announcer at Progressive Field. He’ll attend Good Friday services at noon, then head to the ballpark for the 4 p.m. game. That doesn’t interfere with the noon to 3 p.m. window, which Catholics observe as the time Jesus Christ hung on the cross.

In all, 15 Major League Baseball teams are playing on Good Friday; seven are hosting their home openers.

Indians spokesman Bob DiBiasio said some fans “provide their own special dispensation,” but meatless offerings are available for the observant.

So, is it dog or no dog for DiBiasio, who is Catholic?

“I am a Catholic guy who’s at 81 home games a season,” he said. “I can certainly do without a hot dog at one of them.”

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