Resurrection Parish - Batavia, NY

NOTE FROM FR. IVAN

We have received some very specific guidelines from the Diocese regarding Ash Wednesday, The Season of Lent, and Easter.  Today I will focus on Ash Wednesday.  As we get closer to Palm Sunday and Holy Week we will prepare you for any changes to our usual traditions.

This has been a very difficult year for all of us who have been living through this pandemic.  My prayers are with all who have had sickness within their families, and especially for those who have suffered the loss of a loved one due to COVID-19.  We will soon be approaching Easter when, one year ago, so many restrictions were placed upon all of us and upon our Churches.

On Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17th, we will have Masses with the distribution of ashes as follows:
  8:00 AM St. Joseph’s Church
  5:15 PM St. Joseph’s Church
  7:00 PM St. Mary’s Church

Ashes will be distributed following the homily at each Mass.  However, because of Covid-19, we are unable to impose the ashes on a person’s forehead in the usual manner.  Instead, we will be following the European custom of sprinkling ashes on the crown of each person’s head.  We will come to each of you in your pews to impose the ashes in the same manner as we distribute Holy Communion.  If you wish to receive Ashes, please stand as the Priest, Deacon or Eucharistic Minister approaches you, and bow your head to receive your Ashes.

As usual, we do follow the normal guidelines for Abstinence and Fasting throughout our Lenten Journey.

Abstinence: All Catholics who have reached their 14th birthday are bound to abstain totally from meat on the following days: Ash Wednesday, all Fridays of Lent and Good Friday.

Fasting: All Catholics between their 18th and 59th birthdays are also bound to observe the Law of Fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.  This practice involves limiting oneself to a single full meal and avoiding food between meals.  Light sustenance may be taken on two other occasions in the course of the day.

ADDITIONAL REMINDER: Due to COVID-19, the dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass and Holy Days remains in place until otherwise announced.

 I wish everyone a prayerful Lenten Journey.

Sincerely,
Fr. Ivan