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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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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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Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer,

Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

To you God entrusted his only Son;

in you Mary placed her trust;

with you Christ became man.

Blessed Joseph, to us too,

show yourself a father

and guide us in the path of life.

Obtain for us grace, mercy, and courage,

and defend us from every evil.  Amen.

–from Pope Francis’ apostolic letter

Letter 12/14/20

To keep everyone up to date and safe, this is the latest. Father Dan was exposed to a person with the virus. Father was tested and his test came back positive this Sunday. Also, another member of the parish was also tested this past week and came back positive although we don’t believe they were ever together.

To be safe we are closing the church this week – December 7th thru December 11th. There will be no Masses. We will have Mass on the weekend with a substitute Priest as Father is in quarantine until at least the 14th. Deacon John and members of the staff are being tested again or already have.

As you all know, as a precaution, that is why clergy never leave the altar and are never together more than several minutes. During Mass everyone on the altar is separated. At Communion that is why as we are sure you notice a large amount of sanitizer is used and the Blessed Sacrament is literally dropped in your hands to eliminate any contact. The Church again is being sanitized to ensure everyone’s safety.

Please remember – stay at least six feet apart if you are near someone for 10 minutes or more, wear your mask when in close contact to anyone for a length of time and where required. Additionally, watch for any symptoms you may get and if you believe you have them contact your physician.

Thank you for your patience as we all suffer through this difficult time we are enduring.

God Bless you and stay smart and safe…….

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