Ash Wednesday

ASH WEDNESDAY – Lent Begins
FEBRUARY 22, 2023

Ash Wednesday opens Lent, a season of fasting and prayer. Ash Wednesday takes place 46 days before Easter Sunday, and is chiefly observed by Catholics, although many other Christians observe it too. Ashes also symbolize grief, in this case, grief that we have sinned and caused division from God. Writings from the Second-century Church refer to the wearing of ashes as a sign of penance. Priests administer ashes during Mass and all are invited to accept the ashes as a visible symbol of penance. Small children, the elderly and sick are exempt from this observance. Ashes are also available at the Parish Center from 9am to 5 pm for those unable to get to a Mass.