Ash Wednesday will be different for Catholics this year amid COVID-19 concerns
The Vatican has issued new guidelines for Ash Wednesday. Ashes will be sprinkled onto the head instead of the forehead.
Author: Rebecca Lopez
Updated: 7:07 PM EST February 10, 2021
DALLAS — Ash Wednesday, an important day for Catholics, is going to look different this year.
Instead of the priest or deacon using ashes to make the sign of the cross on people's foreheads, ashes will be sprinkled on top of people's heads.
Also, the priest will bless the ashes all at once instead of individually speaking to and blessing everyone.
The Vatican recently sent down the new rules to churches worldwide because of COVID-19.