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February 14, 2021
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“Open wide your heart”
Ash Wednesday is this week, and God gives us another Lenten season to grow in faith, discipleship, and service as we prepare spiritually for Easter 2021. Even though it is still winter, Lent means that spring is not far away, as the very word “Lent” comes from an old English word for spring. So, this is a time for another new beginning, with trust in God’s ability to provide what we truly need. We continue to make adaptations to our rituals and practices in this time of the pandemic, including limited capacity in church, the wearing masks, and sanitizing in church after each use.
On Ash Wednesday, the church will not be open between services to receive ashes, so as to better control sanitizing. This year, there will be two options for receiving ashes. The first comes from the ancient tradition. The presider will say the ritual formula “Repent, and believe in the Gospel” once before the whole congregation. Then people are invited to approach the minister who quietly sprinkles a small amount of ashes on the head of each person.
The second option is that each person approaches the minister, who applies a small amount of ashes to the forehead with cotton, to prevent physical contact. The cotton is discarded after each use, and a fresh piece is used for each person. Both of these options will be offered at each of the masses and Scripture services, and appropriate instructions will be given.
Even though things look different on the outside, the meaning of Lent remains, our need for our loving God through the perfect sacrifice of Jesus, especially in these times of stress and uncertainty.
Each active parishioner should have received a mailing with a Lenten brochure and information on the March mission. Please take advantage of the Lenten opportunities, so that we can walk together in faith, “opening wide our hearts” to whatever blessings are in store for us.
AID TO THE CHURCH IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE
This annual collection is next weekend, and is an opportunity for Lenten almsgiving. The envelopes are included in your envelope packet. There are also extra envelopes available in church.
