In some cases, ashes may be delivered by a priest or a family member to those who are sick or shut-in.Īsh Wednesday marks the beginning of the Season of Lent. Catholics should still receive ashes within the context of Mass. This isn't considered taboo, but Catholics should know this practice is distinctly Protestant. Recently, movements have developed that involve pastors distributing ashes to passersby in public places. However, many people keep the ashes as a reminder until the evening. It is not required that a person wear the ashes for the rest of the day, and they may be washed off after Mass. Small children, the elderly and sick are exempt from this observance. It is generally inappropriate to dine out, to shop, or to go about in public after receiving the ashes. Some faithful take the rest of the day off work and remain home. It is important to remember that Ash Wednesday is a day of penitential prayer and fasting. The ashes are made from blessed palm branches, taken from the previous year's palm Sunday Mass. Even non-Christians and the excommunicated are welcome to receive the ashes. Priests administer ashes during Mass and all are invited to accept the ashes as a visible symbol of penance. Writings from the Second-century Church refer to the wearing of ashes as a sign of penance. As the priest applies the ashes to a person's forehead, he speaks the words: 'Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.'Īlternatively, the priest may speak the words, 'Repent and believe in the Gospel.'Īshes also symbolize grief, in this case, grief that we have sinned and caused division from God.

The ashes symbolize the dust from which God made us. The practice includes the wearing of ashes on the head.

Ash Wednesday opens Lent, a season of fasting and prayer.Īsh Wednesday takes place 46 days before Easter Sunday, and is chiefly observed by Catholics, although many other Christians observe it too.Īsh Wednesday comes from the ancient Jewish tradition of penance and fasting. Ash Wednesday - February 22nd, 2023 The first day of LentĪsh Wednesday is one of the most popular and important holy days in the liturgical calendar.

Reaponce to the imposition of ashes