Hello everyone!
With January now in the rear-view mirror, we look forward to what February has in store for us. Even though it is the shortest month, it sometimes feels like the longest one because we are tired of the cold weather and gray clouds. But don’t worry! We have a few events to look forward to this month.
The Paulding Knights of Columbus will be starting their fish fries this Friday, February 5. They will be having them every Friday of February and March this year (Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26 and Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26). As was the case this past Fall, curbside service will be the only option available because the COVID restrictions still prevent us from offering a dine-in option. As usual, the Fish Fries will take place at the Paulding KofC Hall from 4-7 P.M. For any man interested in joining the Knights of Columbus, please contact Fritz Koch or Bruce Ivan.
Of course, because the fish fries are starting back up, that means that Lent is not that far away. Ash Wednesday is February 17. That day, we will have Mass with the distribution of ashes at 9:15 A.M. in Payne (school Mass), 12:00 in Paulding, and 7:00 P.M. in Antwerp. Regarding the school Mass at 9:15, the students will be in their regular pews, so seating in the church will be limited. However, the Hall will be available for overflow seating for parishioners. Kindly be reminded that there is never an obligation to attend Mass on Ash Wednesday.
Speaking of Lent, that season always brings questions about fasting and abstaining. To that end, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. In addition, Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence. The norms on fasting are obligatory from age 18 until age 59. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal. The norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding upon those from age 14 onwards. Further, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops adds that, “If possible, the fast on Good Friday is continued until the Easter Vigil (on Holy Saturday night) as the “paschal fast” to honor the suffering and death of the Lord Jesus, and to prepare ourselves to share more fully and to celebrate more readily his Resurrection.”
I would also like to remind everyone that I will be blessing candles this Tuesday, Feb. 2 for the Feast of the Presentation of Lord. The blessing takes place immediately prior to the beginning of Mass. Feel free to bring whatever candles you might want to be blessed.
This Wednesday, February 3 is the feast day of St. Blaise. I will be blessing throats at the end of Mass. Additionally, I will be blessing throats at the end of the weekend Masses next weekend.
Blessings to you all!
Fr. Ammanniti
