Ash Wednesday services on February 17 will be different this year due to health guidelines put in place for the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments announced that clergy are to first bless the ashes, sprinkle them with holy water, and address all those present by saying one time, “Repent, and believe in the Gospel,” or “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

Then, instead of making the sign of the cross with ashes on the forehead of each person, this year ashes will be sprinkled on top of the head.

“It will help the priest or deacon to avoid having direct contact with a large amount of people,” said Father Tom Kunz, diocesan associate general secretary and vicar for canonical services. “This method of receiving ashes is common in other countries.”

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