On Ash Wednesday (February 17), in addition to our regular schedule of Masses, we will have one additional Mass.  The schedule for Mass tomorrow will be 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 12:05 PM, and 5:30 PM (with Confessions at 7:30 AM). The 8:00 AM and 5:30 PM Masses will be live-streamed. 

While Ash Wednesday is not a Holy Day of Obligation and while there is no requirement for the faithful to receive the imposition of ashes, it is rightly observed as a celebration of high importance, and many may wish to participate even amid the current difficulties.

The Distribution of Ashes during the pandemic has been altered by the Holy See. You will have an option of receiving them in the traditional manner where the priest or deacon makes a sign of the cross with the blessed ashes on the forehead, OR, if you bow your head, the priest or deacon will sprinkle blessed ashes on the top of your head.

Msgr. Breier

                             

The faithful are reminded of the precept, “You shall confess your sins at least once a year.” Confessions are offered Monday - Friday following the 7:00 am Mass, Saturdays 3:30 pm - 4:50 pm.  You may also make an appointment by calling the Parish Office.

We are reminded of another precept, “You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church.”

Fasting is reducing the amount of food you eat. Specifically, on fast days you may eat one full meal and two smaller meals, but those two smaller together should not exceed the amount of the normal meal. Snacking is also prohibited on fast days. All Catholics age 18 to 59 are required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. You are excused from fasting if you have a legitimate need to eat a normal amount of food on fast days.

Abstinence means not eating meat. All Catholics 14 and older are required to observe abstinence on these days: Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and all Fridays in Lent.