Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 17, 2021
Keeping with the various health and safety precautions in place for the celebration of the sacraments during the Covid-19 pandemic, the distribution of Ashes will take place in the Diocese of Syracuse this year by way of the Roman custom, which entails sprinkling the ashes on the crown of the head. The priest will do a blessing of the ashes and then will say either “Repent and believe in the Gospel” or “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.” The faithful will approach the priest or assisting lay minister and bow their heads and be sprinkled with the ashes and then return to their pew. This is the manner in which many European counties distribute ashes and Pope Francis receives his ashes. Therefore, a “different” reception of ashes for some is an occasion for all to begin and maintain Lent as a season not of outward appearances, but of renewal in matters of the heart –faith, hope, and love –through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving done before the Father who sees in secret and repays (Matt 6:1-6, 16-18).