Dear Friends,
The beginning of Lent, Ash Wednesday, which falls this year on February 17, is just over a week away. Lent is a time of spiritual rebirth and renewal, and this year at Precious Blood Parish, I am happy to say that we will be seeing some rebirth and renewal as regards our spiritual observances as Lent unfolds. While we still must take necessary precautions with regard to COVID19, it seems that the time has come for the return to some normalcy of life here in the parish.
This Ash Wednesday, owing to directives issued by the Vatican and implemented at the request of Archbishop Blair, we will not be imposing ashes on the foreheads of parishioners. Instead, as you come forward to receive ashes from the priest or deacon, you will be asked to bow before him. A small amount of ashes will be sprinkled on the top of your head, as the traditional words are said. You will receive ashes, but you will not be able to see them personally. This practice eliminates any need for the minister imposing ashes to touch the forehead with his thumb, and in this time of concerns about the virus, it seems prudent to do it this way. If you are uncomfortable with this, then please remain at home that day. Indeed, this is the normal way ashes are imposed in a number of places in Europe.
On Ash Wednesday itself, we will celebrate three Masses. Ashes will be imposed at the end of the Mass after the blessing and dismissal. Two Masses will be celebrated at St. Mary’s, at 7:00 AM and 12:05 PM, and one at St. Agnes at 9:00 AM. We will also celebrate three Liturgies of the Word of God with the imposition of ashes, two of them at St. Agnes at 12:05 and 7:00 PM, and another at St. Mary’s at 4:00 PM.
Furthermore, we will be praying the Stations of the Cross every Friday in Lent [except Good Friday itself] at 7:30 PM at St. Agnes. There will be instrumental music to assist us in reverently remembering Jesus’ journey to the cross and tomb. Face masks and social distancing remain requirements for all.
We will also resume the Monday evening Novena of the Miraculous Medal, along with exposition and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and recitation of the Rosary at St. Mary’s Church at 7:30 PM. Again, singing will be greatly curtailed, but the devotional prayers can once again become a normal part of the routine of our parish life, after almost a year-long hiatus.
It is our intention at this writing to celebrate Holy Week and Easter as normally as possible, with whatever restrictions are needed for health reasons. As Lent unfolds, I will keep you posted. In the meantime, continue to pray for the success of the vaccination efforts underway and when you are able to do so, receive the vaccination yourself.
Have a good week!