BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) Just like everything else, Ash Wednesday has been transformed because of the pandemic.
During COVID times, churches are handling the start of Lent a little differently. Some are forgoing the ash distribution altogether. Others are offering drive-through services, and still others are giving out bags of ashes to be put on the forehead at home.
"We've been instructed to do what's been done in Europe and many other countries and that is sprinkling ashes on the top of the head, rather than
making the sign of the cross as we have traditionally done in the United States," said Pastor Fr. Paul Seil, Pastor of St. Bernadette's Church in Orchard Park.
Fr. Seil went to a bakery supply company and ordered a stainless steel dusting wand that is normally used to sprinkle powered sugar or cocoa.
St. Bernadette's is also giving out blessed ashes in small packets for others to take home and give to those who are unable to come to church.
Anyone can participate in ashes on Ash Wednesday. Seil said you don't have to be Catholic and you don't have to be baptized. "Anyone can come forward and receive ashes as a sign of humility and repentance and it recognizes our dependence upon God."
It is the second Lenten season in a pandemic and Seil said it's taken a toll. "It's extremely difficult for so many people who feel isolated, alone, depressed.
Even if you're in a house with one or two other people, it can be trying and a test of patience.
The pastor said he remembers last year when everyone thought it would be over by Easter. "Here we are a year later, still trying to adjust to this difficult situation."
Mass attendance has been up and down over the past year. For several months masses could only be streamed. "It seemed to grow just before Thanksgiving, but I'm seeing a retreat now," said Seil.
St. Bernadette's has taken several measures to protect parishioners. UV lighting is used to sanitize the church. Masses are held in the church and the gym to allow people to spread out. Certain pews are blocked off for social distancing.
With more people getting the vaccine each week, Fr. Seil is hopeful more people will return to church. "I think people really want to come back. Online and television masses are great, but it's not the same as being with the congregation." Fr. Seil received his second vaccination about a week ago. "You feel a little safer. But I don't want to be careless with others."
St Bernadette's Church on Abbott Rd. has remaining masses Wednesday at 11:30am and 7pm.
These churches are also distributing ashes:
Calvary Episcopal Church
20 Milton Street, Williamsville
8:00am-6:00pm
The Holy Eucharist and offering of Ashes within the church will also be offered at 7:00am, 12:00pm and at 7:00pm.
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
4275 Harris Hill Road, Clarence
7:30am-8:30am//5:00pm-6:00pm
St.
Paul's will also be offering traditional Ash Wednesday services, including communion at noon and Ashes inside the church from 6:15pm-7:30pm.
St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral
139 Pearl Street, Buffalo
7:30am-9:00am//3:30pm-5:15pm
A 45 minute service will also be held at 12:05pm and 7:00pm inside the cathedral and will include music, the offering of ashes and holy communion.
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
1080 Main Street, Buffalo
7:30am-9:30am
The church will also be holding services at 12:00pm in the Chapel and 7:00pm in the Main Church.
