Last week, we celebrated Catholic Schools Week. We are very blessed to have Holy Spirit Academy in our parish. It is the only surviving Catholic elementary school in all of Lawrence County. Many of our former parishes had their own schools. This makes Holy Spirit Academy all the more precious. Since we are all one parish now, we all can benefit from this singular school.
Thank you to all who have, and continue to, support Catholic Education through Holy Spirit Academy. Your donations and prayerful support are deeply appreciated. The children of this region and their parents benefit tremendously from this opportunity for a Catholic education. I will continue to do everything I can to shore up Catholic education in our midst. I hope and pray that all of you will do the same. This generation of little ones needs the truth, values and support that only a Catholic school can provide. It is a sacrifice, yes; but any worthwhile gift is worth the sacrifice.
There was a Holy Spirit Academy Service Club food drive at the drive-in Mass at the Sears parking lot. Melanie Widelko of Holy Spirit Academy reports, “Food drive was fantastic! We collected $ 212.00 so far in cash from parishioners and about 4-5 tables full of pet items and non-perishables.”
Ash Wednesday is February 17th and, of course, there is a new twist, given COVID-19. We are required to offer ashes in a European style this year. That means we will not be placing ashes on your forehead in the sign of the cross. You are to bow your head and the priest, deacon or minister will sprinkle ashes on the crown of your head. This is a long-time custom in Europe and the American bishops feel, because of COVID-19, it would be wise for us to embrace this custom under these circumstances this year. To read more about this directive and the reasoning behind it, see the links on https://holyspiritparishoflawrencecounty.org/updates.
Ash Wednesday Masses will be at 7:00 am at St. Vitus, 9:00 am at St. Camillus and St. Vitus, 12 Noon at St. Mary, 4:00 pm, service only, at St. Mary, and 7:00 pm at St. Camillus and St. Vitus.
Beginning on Ash Wednesday and throughout the season of Lent, the daily Mass for Holy Spirit Parish will be at Noon at St. Mary each day, except for Saturday. We will continue to have a Tuesday morning, 9:00 am Mass, for Holy Spirit Academy at St. Vitus.