Archdiocesan Guidelines for Ash Wednesday

The Archdiocese of New York has announced the following guidelines regarding the distribution of ashes on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17. “...With guidance from the USCCB committee on divine worship, this procedure will be followed within the Archdiocese of New York.”

After the homily:

• The priest offers the prayer for blessing of ashes and sprinkles the ashes with holy water without saying anything.
• He then addresses all those present and only once says the formula as it appears in the Roman Missal, applying it to all in general: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
• The priest then cleanses his hands and puts on a face mask.
• He invites the faithful, wearing masks, to come forward as they do when receiving Communion, maintaining proper distance (6 feet).
• Immediately after the priest places ashes on the forehead of the person, without saying anything, he cleans the finger he used with an alcohol sanitizer wipe before placing ashes on the next person.

The imposition of ashes should take no longer than a few seconds in front of the priest. Please remember that only those in good health should present themselves.