For Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17, the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh has announced that, because of the pandemic, clergy will not mark a cross with ashes on people’s foreheads, as is usually done in the United States.

Directives from the Holy See have been sent to all dioceses outlining procedures that are already followed in many parts of the world.

Clergy are to first bless the ashes, sprinkle them with holy water and address all those present by saying one time, “Repent and believe in the Gospel,” or “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

Then, instead of making the sign of the cross with ashes on the forehead of each person, this year ashes will be sprinkled on top of the head.

“It will help the priest or deacon to avoid having direct contact with a large amount of people,” said the Rev. Tom Kunz, diocesan associate general secretary and vicar for canonical services. “This method of receiving ashes is common in other countries.”