CNA: Irish-American Catholics negotiate St. Patrick’s Day and Holy Week conflict

This story has been circulating in the blogosphere for several days. CNA does a nice summary today:

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For the first time since 1940, March 17, St. Patrick’s Feast Day, falls during Holy Week. Due to the solemnity of the period, Masses for Saint Patrick cannot be held during Holy Week. Parishes must petition their bishop for permission to say a Mass in honor of the saint.

According to USA Today, some American bishops have moved the celebration of Ireland’s patron saint up to March 14. The move has caused some secular organizers to change their schedule as well.

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In Columbus, Ohio, Bishop Frederick Campbell tried to persuade the organizers of the secular festivities, the Shamrock Club, to keep Holy Week free of parade floats or extravagant parties. Despite months of negotiations, which included offers to make the bishop the grand marshal of the parade, both sides are at an impasse.

"The 17th of March is a huge day for any Irish community," said Mark Dempsey, president of the Shamrock Club of Columbus. He said that Irish-Americans "rely on that day (to communicate) a huge tradition of public service and charitable giving that Irish organizations do throughout the year."

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Read the full story here.