Distribution of Ashes for Ash Wednesday Services to Look Different in 2021

(KNSI) – Today is Ash Wednesday, marking the start of Lent, but Ash Wednesday services will look a bit different in 2021 than in years past.

Instead of going up to receive the traditional distribution of ashes with the seal of the cross on a parishioner’s forehead, the Vatican sent a letter to Bishops around the globe for how to distribute the ashes “in time of pandemic.”

The Priest will say a prayer for the blessing of the ashes; then he will sprinkle the ashes with holy water and address parishioners as a whole by saying either, “Repent, and believe in the Gospel”, or “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” as stated in the Roman Missal.

The Priest will then cleanse his hands, put his mask on, and distribute ashes to those who go up to receive them by sprinkling them on parishioner’s heads. No individual blessing will be given.

Bishop Donald Kettler sent out a letter to Pastors asking parishes to follow the Vatican’s guidance for the distribution of ashes.

Ash Wednesday marks the six weeks of penitence before Easter Sunday. Easter 2021 is April 4th.