I don't understand Catholics

I found this article today about how Bishops in the Catholic Church are lifting the Lent Rules for St.Patrick's day - Specifically the rule about eating Meat on Fridays. Now Irish Catholics can eat their traditional Corned Beef without fear of sinning.

My first problem is calling a violation of man-made rules a "sin". I don't specifically have a problem with rules and traditions - lots of churches have those, - and if you truly want to honor Christ's Sacrifce by sacrificing something yourself, then more power to you - but to have something be a sin only because some MAN says it is a sin, is truly disturbing.

My second problem is related - If something truly IS a sin, then how can it NOT be a sin just because some MAN declares it a special day? What the Heck does the day have to do with anything?

Furthermore, what does it matter? It's not a MORTAL sin, so why not just do what you want, and then go to confession and have the same MAN forgive you?

And finally, what is so special about St. Patricks day? Around here, a few years ago a game during the Red Sox home opener week happened to fall on good friday. The church was petitioned to allow a special dispensation for eating Hot dogs during the game that day, but they refused. Why? That's a special event too. Some would argue that opening day at Fenway is in fact sacred.

I think I'll stick with a religion where God decides what is a sin, and he is the one that does the forgiving.