Ash Wednesday – February 17th

Lenten Regulations for Fasting and Abstinence

Days of Abstinence:  No meat can be eaten on Ash Wednesday and all of the Fridays during Lent.  This applies to all Catholics 14 and older.

Days to Fast:  Only one full meal is permitted on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday for Catholics between 18 and 59.  Two smaller meals are permitted, but the small meals should not equal a second full meal.  Drinking coffee, tea and water between meals is allowed.  Snacks between meals are not allowed.

One is not bound to fast if health or the ability to work is affected.

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In 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 them on the crown of the head.

Catechesis: Why are ashes being distributed “differently” during the COVID-19 Pandemic?
The purpose of the “different” manner of distributing ashes this year is to ensure the health and safety of all who wish to receive them on Ash Wednesday. The measures being taken are similar to the precautions currently in place for the reception of Holy Communion and the conferral of the Sacraments of Confirmation and the Anointing of the Sick. Ultimately, they are meant to limit contact and the potential exchange of droplets/aerosols.
Since blessed ashes are typically traced in the form of a cross on the foreheads of those who receive them in the United States, the manner in which they will be distributed this year may seem “different” to some. However, in many parts of the world, including Italy, blessed ashes are typically sprinkled on the heads of those who receive them. In fact, this is how our Holy Father, Pope Francis, receives his ashes! The Roman Missal instruction for the distribution of ashes actually says: “The Priest places ashes on the head of all those present.” Moreover, in the first reading proclaimed at Mass the Lord says, “Return to me with your whole heart…Rend your hearts, not your garments and return” (Joel 2: 12-13). 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).

Ash Wednesday Mass / Service Times at St. Francis:

Ashes will be distributed at both Masses and the noon Service.

6:45am– Mass

Noon– Service only

6:00pm– Mass

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