The Vatican says that Pope Francis has canceled an audience as a precaution after coming down with mild flu.

The Lent period is underway for local Christians, which means many local churches will be hosting fish fries on Fridays for those not eating meat.

It will be a chilly start to Ash Wednesday/Valentine’s Day, but a little sunshine will warm us to slightly above average temps in the afternoon, topping out around 37 degrees.

Feb. 14 is a holiday heavyweight this year due to a calendar collision.

The Archdiocese of Detroit announced Wednesday that churchgoers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 no longer need to wear a face mask inside Catholic churches.

The Archdiocese of Detroit will broadcast Sunday Mass from St. Aloysius in Downtown Detroit.

The Archdiocese of Detroit will broadcast Sunday Mass from St. Aloysius in Downtown Detroit.

Sanar Yokhana, foreground, and Richard Lewandowski pray in front of a statue of St. Anthony during an Ash Wednesday service at the St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021, in Detroit. The ashes, a symbol of penance, are made from palm leaves used in last year's Palm Sunday liturgy and were sprinkled on their head. The sprinkling, because of the pandemic, is a departure from the usual practice of making the sign of the cross on the forehead and follows an ancient method still common in parts of the world today. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)(Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

He went on to say that by the end of July his administration can deliver 600 million doses for Americans. But “it's one thing to have a vaccine available, the problem was how to get to people's arms.”The Pfizer plant Biden toured, near Kalamazoo, produces one of the two federally approved COVID-19 shots. "I would’ve gotten there some way.”AdWhite House adviser Slavitt said the 6 million doses delayed won’t spoil and the vaccine is “safe and sound” under refrigeration. Slavitt said about 1.4 million doses were being shipped Friday as the work of clearing the backlog begins. The Virginia Department of Health reported that it was expecting delays on about 90% of its expected 120,000 doses this week and warned that delays could cascade into next week.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – It’s not officially Fat Tuesday unless powdered sugar is on everything. Here’s where you can pick up some paczki in Ann Arbor:ARGUS FARM STOPThis year Fenton-based baking company Crust is supplying Argus Farm Stop with strawberry, raspberry and lemon paczki. DJ’S BAKERYDJ’s will have eight flavors of paczki available, including apple, blueberry, custard, cream, lemon, prune, raspberry and strawberry. AdWASHTENAW DAIRYPreordering has closed but the historic Ann Arbor business will have some paczki available for pickup on Tuesday. Paczki pickup will happen from Feb.12-16 at both the Ann Arbor North and Ann Arbor West Plum Market locations.

DETROIT – For months, mass at St. Clare Montefalco Parish in Grosse Pointe Park has been different in many ways, but still celebrated weekly. Allen Vigneron, extended a blessing. Announced on Friday, the dispensation from the obligation to attend mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation was extended to Ash Wednesday, Feb, 17, 2021. Those who stay at home should keep holy the Lord’s Day by reading scripture or watching mass virtually. You can read the full letter from Reverend Allen H. Vigneron, Archbishop of Detroit here.

DETROIT – Here’s what you missed on Local 4 News at Noon. Archdiocese of Detroit: Mass dispensation extended until Ash WednesdayThe Archdioceses of Detroit announced Friday that mass dispensation for Catholics will be extended until Ash Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2021.

DETROIT – The Archdioceses of Detroit announced Friday that mass dispensation for Catholics will be extended until Ash Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2021. DispensationAfter carefully considering these and other factors, I am extending the dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation for people living in or visiting the Archdiocese of Detroit until Ash Wednesday, February 17, 2021. At the same time, one should not take advantage of the dispensation without a true need. To that end, many of our parishes have been broadcasting their services over the internet during these last several months. With assurances of my prayers for you, I remain,Sincerely yours in Christ,The Most Reverend Allen H. VigneronArchbishop of Detroit