Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and reflection leading up to Easter Sunday.

Why Do We Receive Ashes?

The ashes, which are made by burning palm branches from the previous year’s Palm Sunday, are placed on the forehead in the shape of a cross. The ashes placed on our foreheads on Ash Wednesday are a visible symbol of God's love and forgiveness and remind us of the need for God in our lives. Ashes are respectfully kept on our foreheads throughout the day on Ash Wednesday.

Why Is Ash Wednesday Important?

• It marks the beginning of Lent, a time of spiritual renewal.
• It encourages self-reflection, prayer, and acts of kindness.
• It reminds believers of their need for God's mercy and forgiveness.
• It sets the tone for service, almsgiving and prayer throughout the 40 days of Lent. During this time, many people choose to give up something for Lent or take on acts of service leading up to Easter.

Receiving ashes is a powerful symbolic act of faith.

Ash Wednesday School Liturgies

Ash Wednesday Mass Times