As the Lenten Season begins with the celebration of Ash Wednesday, there will be some changes due to the pandemic protocols. During the distribution of ashes, which will take place as usual after the homily, the minister will sprinkle the dried ashes upon your head instead of using the thumb to trace a cross upon your forehead. As the sprinkling takes place, the minister will offer the usual formula, either, “Repent, and believe in the Gospel,” or “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
Thank you for your awareness in the changes this year and may the Lord bless you and yours as we begin the sacred season of Lent.
Ash Wednesday Schedule
Masses:
7:00am, 8:30 am & 5:30pm
Liturgies of the Word w/ Distribution of Ashes:
12:15pm & 7:00pm
Fasting & Abstinence Regulations
Fasting is to be observed by all 18 years of age and older, who have not yet celebrated their 59th birthday. On a fast day one full meal is allowed. Two other meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to each one's needs, but together they should not equal another full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted, but liquids, including milk and juices, are allowed. Abstinence is observed by all 14 years of age and older. On days of abstinence no meat is allowed. Note that when health or ability to work would be seriously affected, the law does not oblige. When in doubt concerning fast and abstinence, the parish priest should be consulted.
Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence. All the Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence. Fasting, almsgiving, and prayer are the three traditional disciplines of Lent. The faithful and catechumens should undertake these practices seriously in a spirit of penance and of preparation for baptism or of renewal of baptism at Easter.