Pastoral Message Regarding Ash Wednesday, Dangerous Weather Conditions, and a Dispensation from Fasting and Abstinence
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With the dangerous weather and driving conditions in Central Texas, some parishes have been forced to cancel Ash Wednesday Masses and Services. The Diocese of Austin has asked the pastors of each of the 127 parishes to make their best prudential judgment for the liturgy schedule in their particular community. The safety of our parishioners and clergy remains the highest priority.
The diocese extends from Waco to San Marcos and Mason to Bryan/College Station. Where possible, parishes will work to offer at least one live streamed Mass and communicate clearly schedule changes on social media and websites.
As Ash Wednesday is not a holy day of obligation, those who cannot attend in person are assured that missing Mass or not receiving ashes is in no way detrimental to their relationship with God. They are encouraged to make a spiritual communion with the Holy Eucharist and take time at home considering the most important theme of Lent - repenting of sins and recommitting to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Because ashes are particular to Ash Wednesday, the imposition of ashes will only occur on Ash Wednesday.
Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent which continues for forty days and culminating in the Paschal Triduum - Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday.
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Dispensation from fasting and abstinence for Ash Wednesday and the First Friday of Lent
For all Catholics in the Diocese of Austin, in recognizing the difficulties experienced over the past few days by so many, including the inability for some to secure food for themselves and their families, Bishop Joe S. Vásquez has dispensed all from the obligation to fast and abstain from eating meat for this Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021 and Friday, Feb. 19, 2021 (Canon 87§1).
This unprecedented weather event only compounds the suffering our community has endured together throughout the pandemic. Bishop Vásquez asks each of us to pray for those who are suffering in the cold and, if possible, to offer support where we can. On this Ash Wednesday, he also calls each of us to turn to God, knowing that God will never leave us to face our challenges alone.