Ash Wednesday 2021: a different look and a time for reflection
The day ushers in a season when believers traditionally deprive themselves. But with so much lost during the pandemic, clerics emphasize renewal.
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Penny Kelly sweeps the altar around a statue of the Virgin Mary on Tuesday while working with others to prepare for Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent at Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostles in St. Petersburg. [ MARTHA ASENCIO RHINE | Times ]
Published Feb. 17
After watching a video of how ashes will be distributed on the first Ash Wednesday of the pandemic, a parishioner told Rev. Ralph DâElia it was upsetting.
Credit: Sergey Nivens/Shutterstock.
CNA Staff, Feb 4, 2021 / 05:01 pm (CNA).- The Catholic bishops of the cities competing in the Super Bowl have placed a friendly wager on the game’s outcome.
Super Bowl LV will take place Feb. 7, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers squaring off against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Bishop Gregory Parkes of St. Petersburg and Bishop James Johnston of Kansas City-St. Joseph announced their wager on a Feb. 2 episode of “Conversation with Cardinal Dolan.”
If the Kansas City Chiefs win, Bishop Parkes will send hand-rolled Tampa cigars to Bishop Johnston, while if the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are victorious, Bishop Johnston will send Kansas City barbecue to Bishop Parkes.
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Bishop Gregory Parkes of the Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg says the period leading to Christmas Day typically is a busy one for the faithful.
Since reopening churches in May, the Diocese has seen a gradual increase in people coming to church each week during the pandemic.
The Advent season typically sees increased attendance at Catholic churches, leading up to the celebration of Christmas.
Like most things in 2020, COVID-19 is affecting how houses of worship will hold church services during Advent.
Bishop Gregory Parkes of the Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg says the period leading to Christmas Day typically is a busy one for the faithful.