Ash Wednesday Masses: March 5th
- 8:00 AM
- 9:45 AM (school Mass, open to the public)
- 6:00 PM
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a sacred 40-day period of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving leading up to Easter. It is a solemn day of repentance, inviting Catholics to reflect on their spiritual lives and draw closer to God.
During Ash Wednesday Mass, priests place ashes on the foreheads of the faithful in the shape of a cross, while saying, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return” or “Repent and believe in the Gospel.” These ashes, made from the burned palms of the previous year’s Palm Sunday, symbolize human mortality and the call to conversion.
The importance of Ash Wednesday lies in its reminder of our need for humility, penance, and renewal. Catholics are encouraged to fast, abstain from meat, and begin their Lenten commitments, such as prayer, charity, or giving up worldly distractions. This season is a time to turn away from sin and prepare our hearts for the celebration of Christ’s resurrection at Easter.
By embracing the message of Ash Wednesday, Catholics enter Lent with a spirit of reflection and renewal, seeking to grow in faith and holiness.