Covid-19 pandemic precautions have prompted area Catholic parishes to modify procedures for Ash Wednesday.

The Diocese of Greensburg announced celebrants at its churches in Westmoreland, Armstrong, Fayette and Indiana counties will eliminate direct contact with parishioners during the services, to help protect the health of those attending.

Similar changes will be made throughout the Diocese of Pittsburgh, according to an article in The Pittsburgh Catholic.

In accordance with guidelines from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, on Ash Wednesday, Masses in both area dioceses will involve celebrants sprinkling ashes on the heads of parishioners instead of placing ashes in the sign of a cross on each worshipper’s forehead.

“This method of receiving ashes is common in other countries,” according to Father Tom Kunz, associate general secretary and vicar for canonical services in the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

“Our parishioners will still receive these blessings and can still participate in these solemn days, but the extenuating circumstances of our times require us to adapt this year,” said Bishop Larry J. Kulick of the Diocese of Greensburg.

Kulick will celebrate an Ash Wednesday Mass at 11:45 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral in Greensburg. The service will be livestreamed at dioceseofgreensburg.org and on the diocesan Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Parishioners may find additional Mass times on their respective parish websites.

Those attending Masses in the Diocese of Greensburg must wear masks and observe social distancing, sitting 6 feet apart.

Visit diopitt.org for more information on Masses in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, including parishes in Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Greene, Lawrence and Washington counties.

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