Here's what you can do for Ash Wednesday this year

The Roman Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie, Thomas Dowd, is inviting Catholics across Northern Ontario to celebrate Ash Wednesday this year, regardless if churches are permitted to reopen in time, says a news release issued by the Diocese today.

“We do not want to let the COVID-19 pandemic to get in the way of this important day” said Bishop Dowd, “Ash Wednesday remains a very popular day of devotion among Catholics.”

Ash Wednesday, which takes place Feb. 17, is the beginning of the Christian period of Lent which marks 40 days of prayer, fasting and charitable works leading to the resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday.

The ashes, usually marked by tracing a cross on the forehead, are meant to publicly signify the spiritual journey Christians begin together on this day.

With churches hoping to reopen next week in time for this celebration, there are still capacity restrictions in place and parishioners who are hesitant to return right away.

Because Bishop Dowd wants everyone to have the chance to participate, local churches are providing the option for people to celebrate at home.

After the ashes are blessed by a priest at each Catholic parish on Ash Wednesday, parishioners are welcome to take home a small container of the blessed ashes along with a short prayer service to pray together with their family or those in their household. The short prayer service includes short readings from the Bible, and instructions on how to distribute the ashes.

Due to the fact that not everyone can make it to church prior to Ash Wednesday, Bishop Dowd says he's giving permission to celebrate until the end of the month "so as many people can participate as possible."

Catholics are encouraged to check with their nearest Catholic church to see available times to attend Mass or to pick up the blessed ashes and prayer service on Ash Wednesday.

For more information, to see a copy of the prayer service, or to watch a tutorial video, visit: www.dioceseofsaultstemarie.org