Ash Wednesday

The liturgical season of Lent begins this week on Ash Wednesday, February 17. The celebration of Ash Wednesday and the distribution of ashes will be held at 1900h on Wednesday.

Please note that the diocesan directives regarding the distribution of ashes have been changed this year due to the pandemic: After the homily, Father Innocent will bless the ashes and say the formula that is usually said to each person. The formula will be said generally over everyone present. Father Innocent will then simply sprinkle the ashes on top of each person’s head with no words exchanged. This method is very common in Europe and is credited to Pope Gregory I, commonly known as Saint Gregory the Great, who introduced its use in Rome, Italy, during his papacy (590–604 CE).

Please note that restrictions for gatherings are still in place and measures such as recording attendance for contact tracing, taking your temperature using a contactless thermometer and physical distancing are still in place.

• A maximum of 40 people can attend upstairs, and 20 people can attend downstairs and watch a live stream of the celebration
• To attend, individuals must have no symptoms of COVID-19, and must wear a mask (these will not be provided, you must have your own)

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.”

-Psalm 51:10-12