Seasons of Grace
The snow, it’s still falling…. and the Eastern Seaboard seems particularly affected by this latest blast of winter weather.
In Providence, Rhode Island, freezing temperatures and wind gusts will result in wind chills of 0 to -10 today. Snow will break out again Saturday afternoon, with an expected 1″ to 3″ of new snow falling on Saturdy, and another 3″ to 5″ on Sunday. Sunday’s wind gusts may reach 35-55 miles per hour, with potentially widespread power outages and mild to moderate coastal flooding possible on the eastern MA coastline during high tide. Roads are expected to be slick and snow-covered, with reduced visibility.
It’s so bad, in fact, that Bishop Thomas J. Tobin, bishop of the Diocese of Providence, has issued a reminder to Catholics in his diocese that Catholics can stay at home without feeling guilty–that it is not sinful to miss Mass when conditions make it difficult or impossible to get there.
According to the statement:
In light of the impending snowstorm with dangerous conditions that is expected to arrive over the weekend, Catholics of the Diocese of Providence are reminded to use prudence and extreme caution in deciding whether or not they are able to attend Sunday Mass. While the obligation to attend Holy Mass is always to be taken seriously, Catholics are not expected to attend Mass if the weather conditions are dangerous or extremely difficult. Personal safety should be a priority. If local conditions are dangerous, Catholics may legitimately choose to stay home, remain safe and spend some time in personal prayer and reflection in keeping with the spirit of the Lord’s Day.
Pastors and parishioners are strongly urged to observe carefully any directives issued by state and local officials during the storm.
Bishop Tobin offers one last reminder to area Catholics (and to all of us): Lent begins this week, and we should make every effort to get to church for Ash Wednesday services.
Finally, Catholics are reminded that this coming Wednesday, February 18 is Ash Wednesday that marks the beginning of the holy Season of Lent. It is our hope and prayer that the difficult weather will subside so that all can participate safely in this special time of grace.
Please try to fulfill your Sunday obligation by attending Mass in person. But if conditions in your area are severe and prohibit your attendance at Sunday Mass, try to do something to observe the day: If possible, watch the Mass on television. If there is no televised liturgy in your area, then read the readings for the day, or watch the Mass on your computer at CatholicTV or EWTN.
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