GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Diocese of Grand Rapids said Ash Wednesday is going to look different this year due to COVID-19, especially in terms of seeing the ash crosses we're used to seeing.
Ash Wednesday is on Feb. 17 and marks the beginning of the six-week Lenten season leading up to Easter, April 4. Lent officially concludes on the evening of Holy Thursday on April 1.
The Diocese said that the call to Lenten observance remains unchanged, but some outward signs will be altered in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Typically, ministers that distribute ashes would speak to each recipient individually. However, this year, the presiding minister will address the entire assembly at once. The Diocese also said that in some parishes, the way that ashes are distributed will be based on the presiding minister's preference.
In America, blessed ashes are used to trace a cross on the forehead. The Diocese said that may be done without any undue risk. However, the Congregation for Divine Worship called for a contactless distribution, one commonly used in Rome and other countries already, the Diocese explained.
In this option, ministers may choose to distribute ashes by sprinkling them on the crown of the head.
"Its important we manage to practice our faith in a way that’s still responsible and ensures as many people as possible are able to practice with us," said Aaron Sanders, the director of the office of worship. "So, by putting these safeguards in place, we manage to both keep up our annual worship that’s so important to us, while protecting one another and the community at large."
Here is a full schedule of Ash Wednesday mass times provided by the Diocese.
Some churches are also setting up a takeout style fish fry for the season. St. Isidore is one of them, guiding people through the takeout line at the Parish Life Center with arrows.
Masks are required, one person per vehicle should go inside and get the takeout, and social distancing must be maintained inside the center.
"(We're) doing what we can to be conscious of the virus issue," said Pastor Edward Hankiewicz. "Keeping distances, and things like that. In one door and out the other door. But that’s just what we have to do under the circumstance."
Hankiewicz said while the manner in which they have the fish fry will be different, the substance will not change.
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