Here are changes to traditional Lenten practices caused by the pandemic
Ash Wednesday
Ministers will sprinkle ashes on top of the heads of each person without saying anything instead of marking a cross on the forehead and saying “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
Palm Sunday
A simple entrance rather than a procession should be used at all Masses. Palms may be passed out at the entrance of the church by an usher wearing gloves.
Holy Thursday
The washing of feet may be eliminated unless the priest doing the washing and those whose feet are to be washed are agreeable to participate in it.
Good Friday
The Adoration of the Holy Cross is to be done by a profound bow or genuflection only, not by kissing or touching the cross. The new prayer will be added to the Good Friday universal prayers, “For special needs of the sick and dead affected by the coronavirus.” (See text this page.)
Easter Vigil
The showing of the paschal candle and the passing of the light are still performed, but people should maintain a safe distance when passing the flame. Small taper candles should be used and the congregation should take the candles home.
Easter baptisms
Baptism by immersion is not permitted. The presider should take water from the font and pour it over the head of the Elect and into a separate vessel and not back into the font.
Confirmation
The priest does not lay his hands on the head of each person being confirmed, but with his hands outstretched over the entire group prays in silence. He uses a fresh cotton ball or swab to anoint each person confirmed. After the liturgy, the cotton balls should be collected and burned.
