Ash Wednesday rite amended for COVID

Ash Wednesday rite amended for COVID

Catholic San Francisco
Feb. 8, 2021

The following summary of this year’s fulfillment of Ash Wednesday was circulated to parishes by Father Andrew Spyrow, vicar for clergy, and Laura Bertone, director of worship, on behalf of Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone.

We have all had a year filled with different ways of living and praying.  As we mark the beginning of Lent, we once again need to adapt our practices to preserve the health of all worshippers, while following the ancient traditions of the church. 

Therefore, this year, instead of tracing a cross of ashes on the forehead, ashes will be distributed by the ancient custom of sprinkling over the crown of the head. This practice is used extensively in Europe and the Holy See has mandated it be used throughout the world this year. After the homily, the priest will bless the ashes as usual and recite the invocation over everyone. 

With masks on, each worshipper will come forward in a line.  When you reach the minister, please bow your head slightly and the minister will sprinkle ashes onto the crown of your head.  Note that neither the minister nor the receiver says anything. 

Once you have received ashes, you can return to your seat. Archbishop Cordileone has asked that other than the regularly scheduled daily Mass of the parish, parishes have Liturgy of the Word to accompany distribution of ashes.  This is again a health and safety issue, and completely allowed for by the rite and the Vatican.

The Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments said with its instruction about Ash Wednesday: “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.”