February 2026 Mid-Month Update

Liturgical Preparation for the Paschal Cycle
You’ll find a multitude of resources to assist in preparing the liturgies of Lent, Triduum, and Easter on the ODWS website, including the annual preparation resource from the FDLC in both English and Spanish, a sample Lenten communal penance service, music suggestions, preparation checklists for Holy Week liturgies, updated rubrics for the Mandatum and text for the presentation of the sacred oils, resources for encouraging the faithful to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance, and more.

Pastoral Care of the Sick: Resources and New Ritual Book

As the Church receives a new translation of the ritual book for pastoral care of the sick and their anointing (optional use began Feb 11, required by Easter Sunday), find resources not only the new ritual book (video and slides from the recent webinar) but the broader pastoral care that the Church offers to the sick and dying.

if you’d like to go deeper on certain aspects of this, you can further explore with multiple webinars presented by the FDLC, free for all. Topics include theology, the new ritual test, pastoral concerns, and include expert presenters.

If you haven't yet, purchase the new ritual book at a discount through the ODWS online shop.

You're Invited: Chrism Mass
Tues, March 31, 4pm, Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains

Join Archbishop Casey and the priests and faithful of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati for the annual Chrism Mass, celebrated on Holy Tuesday, March 31st at 4pm at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains. In this once-a-year Holy Week liturgy, the archbishop will bless the Oils of the Sick and Catechumens and consecrate the Sacred Chrism to be used in sacramental celebrations throughout the archdiocese in the coming year. The priests will also renew the promises made at their ordination.

All are welcome (especially those recently anointed or initiated, or those preparing for Christian Initiation in the coming year) to share in this unique liturgy, and it’s a great opportunity for families to experience our local Church gathered in prayer!