COVID changes for Ash Wednesday Archbishop Gregory Aymond has issued the following guidelines for the distribution of ashes on Ash Wednesday and the blessing of the throats on the Feast of St. Blaise. As we look ahead to Ash Wednesday (Feb. 17) and the Feast of St. Blaise (Feb. 3), we must adjust our liturgical rites because of the pandemic. Distribution of Ashes, Feb. 17 Ashes have been used as a sign of repentance from Old Testament times to today. In the early Church, the priest would sprinkle ashes on the heads of those confessing their sins. ln the year 1091, Pope Urban ll decreed that priests were to sprinkle ashes on the heads of all the faithful on the first day of Lent. As a result of that practice, this day became known as Ash Wednesday. In most countries, the practice of placing or sprinkling a small pinch of palm ashes on the top of the head on Ash Wednesday remains common practice. However, in the United States, the custom has developed where ashes are placed on the forehead in the shape of a cross. Due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19, modifications must be made to our usual method of imposition of ashes. After consultation with medical leaders. there are only three options for the imposition of ashes that will be used in the Archdiocese of New Orleans for 2021: ➤ Sprinkling a small pinch of dry ashes on the top of the head ➤ Using a cotton swab (Qtip) to place ashes on the forehead ➤ Using a cotton ball to place ashes on the forehead Whichever option is chosen, those imposing ashes are to wear a mask during the distribution of ashes and sanitize their hands afterwards. Pope Francis sprinkles a pinch of ashes over the head of a cardinal during a 2016 Ash Wednesday Mass in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. Sprinkling ashes on the head is the normal Ash Wednesday practice in most countries. Because of COVID-19, Archbishop Gregory Aymond this year says ashes may be sprinkled on the head or imposed on the forehead in the shape of a cross by using either individual cotton swabs or Q-tips, disposed after each use.

Beginning this week, Maria will be at the rectory on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9AM to 3PM. Monday’s will be devoted to records and financial books. As always for emergencies you should call the rectory any time or day for assistance from Fr. Ray or Maria.

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St Gertrude’s St Vincent de Paul Society wishes to thank the wonderful parishioners and friends for their generous support of money and non-perishable items. The donation baskets are still located in the rear of the church for those who wish to donate. We offer special thanks to our Bingo Committee and Bingo players who donate items to the food pantry weekly. As always our people are willing to extend a hand to our brothers and sisters in need. We provide assistance to anyone needing help, no matter what religion, race or background. Whether you live in St. Charles or Lafourche, you are part of our family when in need. We continue to provide assistance to our community in need. We generally help with food baskets for people in need monthly, Food for Seniors (currently providing between 20-30 food boxes monthly), holiday food baskets, and general assistance as needed. We are always looking for additional members. It doesn’t require a great deal from any one person. Please consider joining this group of hard working parishioners. Our meeting are posted in the bulletin. Special thanks for the latest donations for during these times, we are continuing to assist people weekly with food from the Food Pantry!

Make St. Gertrude Catholic Church your home! Registration Forms are located in the rear of the church which can be placed in the collection or you can call or stop by the rectory and register your family! Be part of the One, Holy, Apostolic Catholic Church! Come Home!