Image from Vatican Media

We have received the following instructions from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop (USCCB) Committee on Divine Worship regarding Ash Wednesday in 2021 to be adopted in our parishes, schools, and institutions. 

While Ash Wednesday is not a holyday of obligation and while there is no requirement for the clergy and faithful to receive the imposition of ashes, it is rightly observed as a celebration of high importance, and many will surely wish to participate even amid the current difficulties. 

During this time of pandemic, the Holy See has modified the method of distributing the ashes, as outlined in the following “Note”: 

The Priest says the prayer for blessing the ashes. He sprinkles the ashes with holy water, without saying anything. Then he addresses all those present and only once says the formula as it appears in the Roman Missal, applying it to all in general: 

 “Repent, and believe in the Gospel”, or
“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return”. 

 The Priest then cleanses his hands, puts on a face mask and distributes the ashes to those who come to him or, if appropriate, he goes to those who are standing in their places. The Priest takes the ashes and sprinkles them on the head of each one without saying anything. 

 These changes minimize the necessity of physical contact between minister and recipient and remove the need for the minister to speak while in close proximity to the recipient.  

 Holy Spirit Parish Ash Wednesday Schedule 

February 17, 2021 (Wednesday)
8:30AM  In-person and Livestreamed Mass
12:05PM  Liturgy of the Word
5:00PM In-person Mass