PROVIDENCE — Due to improving public health conditions in Rhode Island, with a decrease in reported positive COVID-19 infections — and after a request from the Diocese of Providence — churches in the Ocean State have been allowed to fill to 40 percent of their capacity, up from 25 percent, with a maximum of 125 people, as of Feb. 12.
On Ash Wednesday, February 17th, Catholics begin the forty-day season called Lent which precedes the celebration of Easter, Christ’s resurrection from the dead. Resources here for you as we journey these 40 days.
PROVIDENCE — The beginning of Lent this year will have a different look and feel because of the coronavirus pandemic. Instead of tracing the sign of the cross with ashes on the forehead, a priest will sprinkle ashes on each person’s head without saying anything. Blessing the ashes at the altar, the priest will, one time, recite the common penitential formula found in the Roman Missal.