This coming Wednesday, February 17, is Ash Wednesday, and Lent begins. Our parish will have three Masses on Ash Wednesday, and three prayer services for the distribution of ashes. At the 7:00 AM and 12:05 Mass at Saint Mary, and the 9:00 Mass at Saint Agnes, ashes will be distributed at the conclusion of the Mass, and then you will go directly out. There will be a service of Ashes at 4:00 PM at Saint Mary Church, and a service of Ashes at 12:05 and 7:00 PM at Saint Agnes Church. Ashes will be sprinkled on your head, not imposed by touching the person. There will be a free will offering collected at each Ash Wednesday Mass and service, all proceeds to benefit the Beth El Shelter. There is never an obligation to receive ashes.
Beginning in Lent, we will hold Stations of the Cross on Friday evenings at 7:30 PM at Saint Agnes Church, and we will begin again the Novena of the Miraculous Medal on Monday evenings at 7:30 PM at Saint Mary Church. There will be music at each, but no congregational singing. Of course, all other COVID19 protocols will be followed, mask wearing, social distancing, etc. During the season of Lent, there will be three daily Masses Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM at Saint Mary, 9:00 AM at Saint Agnes, and 12:05 PM at Saint Mary.
The State of Connecticut has relaxed the capacity requirements for religious worship, allowing for 50% capacity in churches. We will continue to have every other pew blocked off, and of course follow all other protocols, including cleaning. You may notice more and more parishioners returning to Mass, and the church will appear more crowded. If you are not comfortable with this, the dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass is extended to May 23, 2021. We thank those who continue to support us, whether in person or from home.
Many of our parishioners are being vaccinated, as are all our priests. While this affords a comfort about being “in touch” with so many of you, this will not lead any of your clergy, and should not lead any of you to be less cautious about your health or the health of your fellow parishioners. Please continue to follow all precautions as you have, so we can continue to minister to you as safely as we are able. When the majority of us are vaccinated, a return to a former normalcy will be in sight. May we all pray during this lenten season that we can have an Easter celebration this spring that truly celebrates that life triumphs over death, that love is always stronger than death.