Is a dispensation from eating meat on a Friday in Lent necessary?

[Lynn_M_Ohio]

Relatives are having a rehearsal dinner on a Friday in Lent.
Though both the bride and groom are Catholic not all the guests are. A meatless and a meat dish is being planned. How can the hosts best inform the guests about Catholic teaching regarding their own perogative to offer something else instead of abstaining from meat for that meal?
Is an official dispensation by a priest appropriate or possible?
Is there some official brief written explanation available to use and
put into the rehearsal invitaion?

Thank you

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi,

You don’t have to make an excuse for having a meatless meal. Many people have fish for secular reasons. Just have one non meat entree and simplify the whole thing. No explanations are necessary.

Or give the people a choice of meat or non-meat and let them choose. Practicing Catholics should know enough to not eat the meat, It’s really a non-problem any way you look at it.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.