Thank you for watching Father Jerry’s gospel reading and homily above, for Ash Wednesday. In the video, Father includes a special message for people worshipping from home.

Ash Wednesday derives its name from the practice of blessing ashes made from palm branches blessed on the previous year’s Palm Sunday, and placing them on the heads of participants. You are invited to join us today in person:

8:00 am – Mass and distribution of ashes
5:30 pm – Mass and distribution of ashes
7:00 pm – Liturgy of the Word and distribution of ashes

PLEASE BE PROMPT and wear your mask!

As Jesus fasted 40 days in the desert, the Church traditionally fasts during Lent. A form of bodily prayer, fasting and abstinence in union with other Christians reminds us of our utter dependence on and love for God. A gesture of repentance, fasting is symbolic of a change of heart as we turn away from sin to live in fidelity to the Gospel. Lenten Regulations Fasting: Ages 18-59 fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, limiting themselves to one full meal and two smaller meals each day, with no snacking between meals. Abstinence: Catholics age 14 and older abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and all the Fridays of Lent.