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January 13, 2021
Notes for Liturgical Celebrations as Lent Approaches
At the Mandate of the Bishop of Paterson
Dear friends in Christ,
As with all liturgical celebrations in the time of pandemic, special care must be taken to attend to the health and safety of all who participate in upcoming feasts, particularly during Lent and Holy Week. The approach of the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord and the Blessing of Throats which follows on Saint Blaise Day also require some modifications to our usual observances.
Feast of the Presentation of the Lord and Saint Blaise Day
The Mass of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2, 2021 may be celebrated in the usual way according to the rubrics, using either the first or the second form for the blessing of candles. However, special care must be used to observe social distancing during the rite of blessing and any procession that takes place according to the norms of the first form should include only a minimal number of persons so that social distancing may be observed.
Memorial of Saint Blaise
On February 3, 2021, the Memorial of Saint Blaise, bishop and martyr, priests and deacons may impart the blessing of throats over the people in a general way, as in the blessing at the conclusion of Mass or other liturgical celebrations, without crossed candles and without the faithful coming forward individually. Individual blessing of throats is suspended this year.
As a reminder, the Blessing of Throats may be found in the Book of Blessings (1622-1655) along with the complete rite. The formula of the blessing may be offered by a priest, deacon, or lay person, but only priests or deacons may impart the sign of the cross over the people at the conclusion of the blessing.
As a reminder, the formula of the blessing is:
Through the intercession of Saint Blaise,
bishop and martyr,
may God deliver you from every disease
of the throat and from every other illness:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, +
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Celebration of Ash Wednesday
February 17, 2021 begins our observance of the holy season of Lent with Ash Wednesday. The Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments has modified the rite for the distribution of ashes during this time of pandemic. Therefore, I direct all parishes and institutions of the Diocese of Paterson to implement the measures directed by the Congregation on January 12, 2021 under the signature of the Prefect, Cardinal Sarah. The Note of the Congregation is as follows:
NOTE ON ASH WEDNESDAY - Distribution of Ashes in Time of Pandemic
The Priest says the prayer for blessing the ashes. He sprinkles the ashes with holy water, without saying anything. Then he addresses all those present and only once says the formula as it appears in the Roman Missal, applying it to all in general: "Repent, and believe in the Gospel", or "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return". The Priest then cleanses his hands, puts on a face mask and distributes the ashes to those who come to him or, if appropriate, he goes to those who are standing in their places. The Priest takes the ashes and sprinkles them on the head of each one without saying anything.
While the Congregation for Divine Worship has provided this modified form for the distribution of ashes, it might be helpful to stress for those who might feel uncomfortable coming forward to receive ashes, that there is no requirement to receive ashes and to note that they may begin Lent most importantly through their internal disposition of turning their hearts toward God.
Holy Week
The norms of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments issued special norms for Holy Week last year for the year 2020 only. We will wait in order to see if those norms will be renewed, but we may still plan broadly by issuing the following guidelines on a diocesan level:
Palm Sunday: Palms may be blessed and distributed. It is left to the discretion of pastors to implement procedures that best provide for social distancing and a minimal number of persons handling the palm branches before and during their distribution.
Holy Thursday: The Mandatum (The Washing of Feet) is suspended this year.
Good Friday: The Cross is venerated by the celebrant alone at the Liturgy of the Lord's Passion or during other devotions. The faithful may genuflect or bow to the Cross at the time of their departure from the Liturgy of the Lord's Passion. Special care should be used to observe social distancing as the members of the congregation depart.
Easter Vigil: At this time, it appears that the Easter Sacraments, including the baptism of adults, will be celebrated in the customary way.
If and when the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments publishes other directives, we will share them with you as soon as possible. Thank you for all that you are doing in order to provide for the good order and prayerful spirit of liturgical life in our parishes and other communities during these challenging times.
With every good wish and a prayer for the Lord's blessing, I remain
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Kevin J. Sweeney, D.D.
Bishop of Paterson