Lent begins next tomorrow, 17th of February. Our new Archbishop Dermot Farrell says
"unfortunately this year we are unable to mark Ash Wednesday in the traditional way. The threat of Covid 19 remains stubbornly present in our communities. This year ashes should not be distributed either within or outside our parish churches, as this would involve people congregating and possibly breaching the social distancing rules".
With this in mind our church in St. Mark's will remain open each weekday from 10.30 am till 12.30 for a private prayer.
On Ash Wednesday we invite you to join us for Mass at 10am via Webcam from St.Mark's via parish website, where a special Ash Wednesday blessing will be offered.
You might prepare your own "homemade ashes" by burning last year's palm branch/take ashes from the fire grate/gather some soil from the garden. At the appropriate moment of the Mass, we will invite people to sprinkle their ashes with holy water and a blessing will be offered.
Obviously, we are asking people to continue to respect all appropriate regulations for your particular situations.
The Dublin Diocesan website has lots of ideas for children, young adults and all of us to help us pray our way through Lent. Please check our parish websites/Dublin Diocese website for links and more ideas on the brand-new Lenten initiative -
OUR HOPE RENEWED - LENT 2021. There's something for everyone!
God Bless You & Your Families,
Parish Team
