Pandemic puts new sprinkle on Ash Wednesday

HUBBARD -- Since they can't worship in the sanctuary at St. Patrick Parish because of a fire last month, parishioners were welcomed to a new location for Ash Wednesday Mass at the Hubbard High School auditorium.

The first major religious event since the January fire was held at the new location as will other upcoming events, including Palm Sunday and Easter.

The Rev. Michael Swierz, pastor of the parish, said two Ash Wednesday Masses were held Wednesday -- one in the morning with 350 people and one in the evening with more than 400 people.

He said he knew Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday and Easter will bring in more people and since the parish social hall is limited on space, it was ideal to find a larger location. The social hall has been used for Masses and devotionals as well as a blood drive.

"The auditorium holds 900, and we can space people apart safely for social distancing," Swierz said, noting Hubbard Superintendent Raymond Soloman offered the parish use of the school.

As for the typical placement of ashes and sign of the cross on people's foreheads, parishioners had a choice of Swierz sprinkling the ashes on top of their heads or using his pinky for a quick dab. People let him know they wanted ashes sprinkled by putting their hands across their chest as they came forward.

Therese Wells of Hubbard said she was glad the congregation was able to gather in the auditorium.

"I think it is wonderful we can gather here and be together. Anywhere Jesus is, is a good place for us to be. Jesus goes wherever we go," Wells said.

Fred Behnke of Hubbard, who was one of the firefighters who helped get the tabernacle and other items out of the church during the fire and is also a parishioner, said he was glad the congregation continues to worship together.

"With COVID-19, it has been challenging wearing masks and social distancing and now with the fire it has made it more challenging. It has been a big change, but we have been able to adjust," Behnke said.

He said knowing no one was hurt in the fire was most important.

Several people who attend the Mass said they liked worshipping at their alma mater.

Kirk Wells of Hubbard said, "It is wonderful how God works in mysterious ways to allow us to be here in the auditorium."

Jill Pogacnik of Hubbard said her daughter, who is a senior in high school, was greeting people at the main door.

"I think it is really nice they are doing this for the community of Hubbard. It is nice place to attend Mass since we can't use the church," she said.

Swierz said as everyone prays and are marked by ashes, it is a time for a new beginning and reawakening and showing our love for God.

"We thank all those from the schools who made our celebration of Ash Wednesday possible for all of us. We thank them from the bottom of our hearts," Swierz said.

Ash Wednesday events were held throughout the area, including many churches that held drive-thru events where people inside their vehicles had ashes placed on their foreheads with cotton swabs.

bcoupland@tribtoday.com