Roman Catholic parishioners will be receiving ashes on Ash Wednesday differently this year. The pandemic has changed the way parishioners will receive ashes. Instead of the traditional sign of the cross on the forehead, priests will sprinkle ashes on the tops of the head. According to Diocesan Associate General Secretary and Vicar for Canonical Services, Fr. Tom Kunz, this practice will help priests and deacons avoid having direct contact with large amounts of people. “This method of receiving ashes is common in other countries.” The Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh also announced the schedule of Masses to be celebrated by Bishop David Zubik on Ash Wednesday. Zubik will be at the Divine Mercy Parish, St. Mary of Mercy Church in downtown Pittsburgh at noon. At 6:00 PM he will celebrate Mass at St. Paul Cathedral in Oakland. Masses can be viewed via live stream through the diocesan website.