In order to be able to make this confession from the heart, there is the Lenten season, which is meant to prepare us for such a confession by leading us to repentance, or turning away from sin. The texts of the biblical readings during this time will provide us with ample opportunities to realize in which areas we have yet to grow into what we confessed at baptism.
At the same time, from Sunday to Monday, the state of emergency will likely end. I do not know what this currently means for the validity of anti-epidemic regulations, but it is evident that the epidemic does not end with the state of emergency; on the contrary, it seems to be gaining strength in connection with the actual presence of virus mutations. Therefore, I would like to ask you to continue to maintain what we have been keeping, especially: only those who have reserved a place may attend each Mass, please utilize this system which helps establish a safe environment in the church.
On Wednesday, the Lenten season begins. The Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments has adjusted the ceremony of the imposition of ashes so that it can be done without the need for contact: the ashes will be blessed, an invocation for the imposition of ashes will be proclaimed, and then the faithful will approach one by one and the ashes will be symbolically sprinkled on the head of the penitent. I will impose ashes during the Mass on Ash Wednesday, on Saturday, and at both Masses on Sunday.
On Wednesday, we will continue online with the hour of catechism, the topic being biblical anthropology.
On Friday after Mass, there will be a Stations of the Cross prayer, which will be streamed online on the parish YouTube. During the prayer, we will remain in the church at our places; we will not walk around the images.
I wish you a blessed week ahead and especially a good start to the Lenten season!
Gregory J. Žáček.
