Ash Wednesday 2021

As one might suspect, Ash Wednesday (Feb. 17) will look a bit different this year. Here are all of the details pertaining to the celebration of Ash Wednesday at St. Gertrude...

Ash Wednesday Schedule - Feb. 17, 2021

• Mass in church: 7:00am; 8:00am; 11:30am and 7:30pm
  
• Liturgy of the Word in the gym: 7:30am, 8:30am and 6:00pm
  
  

Notes on the Distribution of Ashes

While observing the existing guidance already in place relative to worship in a time of public health concern, the blessing and distribution of ashes to the faithful on Ash Wednesday will be modified to follow the instruction from the Holy See on Jan 12, 2021. After blessing the ashes, the priest addresses all those present and only once says the formula, 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 takes the ashes and sprinkles them on the head of each one without saying anything.
Notes:

• The wearing of ashes, while customary and laudable, is not an obligation of the faithful, so anyone who is fearful of becoming sick should not come forward, or even come to Mass on Ash Wednesday.
• Ashes may not be self-imposed: they are always given by a minister.

Ash Wednesday Collection

On Ash Wednesday, we will be taking up the Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe. This collection supports the Church in more than 25 countries that still struggle to recover from former communist rule. Funds from this collection support pastoral care, catechesis, building renovations, and seminary formation. Your support restores the Church and builds the future in this region. Please prayerfully consider how you can support the collection on Ash Wednesday. More information can be found at www.usccb.org/ccee.